RSPCA Concerned About Abandoned Pets As Tortoises Left In Horsham Street

Two tortoises have been rescued from the winter cold after being left on a street in Horsham.

They were found by a member of the public in Serrin Way and he took them back to his home and contacted the RSPCA.

On the morning they were picked up (Thursday, January 26), temperatures in West Sussex had dropped as low as five celsius. These Mediterranean tortoises need to be kept in a warm environment between 20 to 25C during the day and 15C at night, if they’re not being hibernated over winter.

Fortunately, the pair were in good health and RSPCA inspector Tony Woodley was able to find space for them at the South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Grays. 

Tortoises have very specific needs and owners need to provide a suitable indoor habitat with appropriate heating and lighting to stimulate their natural environment. The pair found in Horsham are Hermann’s tortoises and are natives of southern Europe.

They are young adults and are aged around three to five years old.

Inspector Woodley said:

“It is never a good idea to abandon tortoises - but it is so dangerous in January in the UK as they need to be kept in a place where the temperatures do not fall below 15C if they’re not hibernating - so whoever did this was certainly putting them in harm’s way. 

“To care for tortoises properly you need specialist enclosures and other equipment. Whoever left them would have likely had some of this equipment as they looked to be in a good condition. But for whatever reason they have then chosen to leave them in a vulnerable situation when we would expect any reasonable person in need of help to instead look for support rather than putting these animals at risk like this. 

“Sadly, this isn’t uncommon at the moment. Charities like ourselves are struggling to find spaces at our animal centres for all the animals that are being abandoned and being brought to us.

“Our nearest animal centre was full, but thankfully we were able to find space for these two young tortoises at a wildlife hospital and we are grateful they have been able to accommodate them.”

The RSPCA is concerned about exotic pets, like these tortoises, whose owners may be affected by cost of living rises, particularly the higher electricity bills they face for providing lighting and 24-hour heating. 

The majority of exotic animals, including reptiles, need a carefully-controlled environment and failure to provide this can result in serious ill health. In addition, many tortoises can live for decades so ownership is a very long-term responsibility and people need to do their research and decide if they can make that commitment.

The inspector added:

“It is a difficult time for many people with the cost of living, but we would encourage people to reach out to us and seek help if they are having problems caring for their tortoises and other reptiles.”

The RSPCA is providing dedicated cost of living support for worried pet owners and has recently opened a telephone helpline on 0300 123 0650 and an online hub, which has lots of practical tips and advice, including details of pet food bank schemes.

If anyone has any information about how these tortoises were left at Horsham they should contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

"Our rescue teams are out in all weathers this winter, rescuing animals from abuse, neglect and suffering. Please don’t let animals pay the price of the cost-of-living crisis and join the Winter Rescue to help our rescuers be there for the animals in need."