Tortoises on the loose

The Scottish SPCA has been caring for two runaway tortoises at the charity’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre and staff are hoping to reunite the stray pets with their owners.

We think the tortoises have escaped as a result of recent warm weather, where owners may have been leaving them out in gardens to enjoy the sunshine and some exercise.

One is a small male Horsefield tortoise, nicknamed Clover, which was found straying in Woodlee Park in Alloa on 18 June and the other is a large male Hermann’s tortoise, who has been called Dandy. He was found wandering along Hillview Road in Edinburgh on 23 June.

Senior Animal Care Assistant Lora Booth said, “We are seeing a lot of stray pet birds and tortoises coming into our care at the moment and we think it’s due to their owners letting them out for some exercise during the warm weather.

“Pet birds are often let out of their cages to fly around indoors, but if a window or door has been left open then they’ll easily escape.

“Likewise, with tortoises, owners may be letting them out into the garden to enjoy the sunshine and some exercise, but they are surprisingly agile and can easily dig their way under a fence or find a gap in a hedge.

“These tortoises are in good health and condition so we’re pretty sure their owners are missing them.

“We’re inviting anyone whose pet tortoise has recently gone missing to give our animal helpline a call on 03000 999 999. If no-one comes forward to claim these guys then we’ll be seeking good homes for them.”