Two tortoises were found in a shopping bag in Boxmeer on Sunday. The animals were hypothermic and that is life-threatening. The animal ambulance Brabant Noord-Oost is looking for the perpetrator. They have already received several tips that could possibly lead to the owner.
Two turtles were found in a shopping bag by a passerby. The animals were on a lawn at the Cricket Warbler in Boxmeer.
“We don’t know how long they have been there,” said a spokesperson for the Animal Ambulance. “But they were not at the right temperature and that is life-threatening for a tortoise.”
“Luckily they didn’t escape because they wouldn’t have made it.”
It is important for tortoises to keep warm. Keeping warm keeps digestion going, which is crucial for this species.
“A land turtle is an exotic species and cannot survive for long in Dutch nature. Luckily they didn’t escape from the bag because then they wouldn’t have made it.”
“We have received tips from people who think they know who the owner is.”
The animal ambulance is looking for witnesses and has already received several tips. “These are tips from people who think they know who the owner is. Not many people have tortoises as pets, so we are hopeful that we will find the culprit.”
He could then face a hefty punishment. Since January 1, there has been a new law that makes it possible to punish animal abuse more harshly. The maximum penalty for abuse and neglect of animals has been increased to five years.
It is not unique that tortoises are found there, unfortunately the animal ambulance notes that tortoises are dumped more often. “And there is no need for that. If you want to get rid of them, you can simply give the animals up. There are plenty of options for that.”
