Tortoise on the run could bite

People are being warned to steer clear of an escaped tortoise, as it could bite them. Rupert may be 60 years old, but his owners have warned that he can still move, and has previously attacked children and dogs – as well as nipping at people's feet.

The North African spur-thighed tortoise, who is six inches high, left his home through a hole under the fence.

Owner Jean Pogson, 77, of The Avenue, Alverstoke, Gosport, said: 'He can run quite fast across the lawn and he doesn't like dogs. If he sees one he'll go right up to it and nip their feet. Also if you're digging he come right up to you and start nipping at your feet.'



Mrs Pogson's daughter, Joyce Thomas, 47, of Lodge Gardens, Gosport, Hampshire, said she had seen Rupert attack children.

Geoff Read, section manager of the tropical house at Marwell Zoological Park, said it was very unusual for tortoises to attack children or dogs. He added: 'I've never heard of it, and I've been looking after tortoises for 40 years.'

Rupert has a dark shell with a hole in it following an accident with a garden fork 30 years ago.

Photo from here.