United Kingdom: Helpless turtle abandoned in park after poor feeding caused his body to swell up

UNITED KINGDOM -- Cruel owners neglected their turtle so badly its entire body was swollen, before dumping the helpless animal in a park.

The musk turtle was suffering from lymphoedema, a condition that causes fluid retention and tissue swelling, as a result of being fed a poor diet.

They were then abandoned in a tank in Hartshill Park in Stoke-on-Trent on Wednesday. The RSPCA is now investigating.

Inspector Charlotte Melvin said: ‘The poor turtle was found in their tank and it is clear that whoever left him there did so with the intention of abandoninghim.

‘The turtle looks in a terrible state as a result of his body becoming swollen, and it is likely he's been suffering for some time, as the owner has failed to seek veterinary treatment for his condition.

‘Reptiles are entirely reliant on their owner to provide the right care for the particular species, so it is important that people do thorough research before committing to getting one.’

Nicola White, the RSPCA’s exotics senior scientific officer, added: ‘It’s incredibly cruel to abandon an animal instead of getting the veterinary help it needs.

‘Reptiles may look resilient and tough on the outside but they are completely reliant on their owners to provide heat, light, humidity, food and water – and can easily become poorly or suffer if these are not provided at the correct levels for the species.

‘It can be tricky for a beginner owner to know exactly what to feed their reptile and to tell when their reptile is unwell, so we would always recommend that owners ask for help and advice from experienced keepers and take their reptile to an exotics vet at the first signs of illness.

‘Sadly many owners who buy exotic pets on impulse don’t find out how to care for the animals first and they are often handed over to buyers in pet shops with little or no information about how to care for them, or the commitment that is involved in keeping them healthy.

‘When owners then realise how much space and care the animal requires they can lose interest or feel overwhelmed and unable to care for them anymore. As a result reptiles are often abandoned, given up to animal rescue centres or even released into the countryside.’

Anyone with information as to who abandoned the turtle should call the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

(Metro UK - September 3, 2017)