RSPCA called out to rescue a stone tortoise ornament

The RSPCA were called out to urgently rescue a tortoise that turned out to be a stone garden ornament. The animal welfare charity were contacted on Monday by a woman who spotted the tortoise in a garden in Sheffield, south Yorkshire.

She asked neighbours if anyone owned the reptile but, after being unable to find an owner, called the RSPCA. Animal welfare officer (AWO) Liz Braidley went along to collect the reptile but soon found all wasn’t as it seemed.



“I went into the lady’s garden to try to capture the tortoise and it soon became clear that he wouldn’t be giving me the run-around - as he was made out of stone.” she said. “It did make me laugh. I was having a bad day so it really cheered me up!

“The welfare of animals is at the heart of everything we do at the RSPCA so we wouldn’t want to deter anyone who is worried about an animal from getting in touch with us. So if you are concerned for an animal, please contact our 24-hour emergency line where staff can help with advice, information, or reporting incidents to one of our inspectors.”