A tiny tortoise was abandoned on a van bonnet in Barry Road near Peckham Rye, possibly by cash-strapped owners, according to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
The RSPCA was called to Barry Road after a pest controller returned to his van to find the “cute little fellow” in a box on his vehicle, on Wednesday, October 19.
The Horsfield tortoise, who was suffering from a soft, under-developed shell, has been taken to a specialist boarding centre to be looked after.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Mat Hawkins, who was first to the scene, said: “This cute little fellow was left inside a cardboard box and had been dumped on the bonnet of this van. Sadly he also hadn’t been looked after very well.
“Thankfully, he’s now in safe and experienced hands with the team at South Essex Wildlife Hospital where he’s receiving care and treatment.”
Animal abandonments are increasing. The RSPCA says it has seen a 24 per cent increase in rejected pets being reported to its emergency line this year compared to last.
Exotic reptiles like tortoises, snakes and lizards are particularly vulnerable because owners don’t always understand their complex needs.
They require habitats that are similar to what they’d experience in the wild which can be difficult to replicate at home.
Mat said: “You need specialist equipment and knowledge to keep exotic pets such as tortoises, snakes and lizards, and it’s really important to do proper research before taking one on so that you understand what they need and how much they will cost to care for.
“Sadly we’re really starting to see the impact the cost of living crisis is having on pet owners and we’re taking more animals into our care as their owners struggle to care for them.
“It appears this little tortoise may well be a victim of owners who do not fully understand what they need to thrive and may not have been able to afford the costs – particularly with energy bills through the roof – to take care of him.”
The charity Animal Kindness Index found 78 per cent of owners are worried about being able to care for their pets. It’s launched a Cost of Living Hub online with tips and advice for anyone who might be finding times hard.
Mat added: “Anyone with information about where this little guy may have come from or who was responsible for abandoning him should contact our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
Find out more about keeping exotic pets online and look at Find A Pet if you think you could offer a tortoise – or another exotic pet – a new home.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.