Fab Four turtles abandoned in Broxburn cold
2 February
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Turtle power: The four males were found alive in a cold close off Almondell Road
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All they need is love: The SSPCA are looking after the turtles until homes can be found for them
Four turtles, who need hot a climate to survive, have been found abandoned in the cold in a Broxburn close.
The Scottish SPCA rescued the male Mississippi map turtles in their tank off Almondell Road, after a member of the public spotted them.
Inspector Jenni Surgeon rescued the reptiles and took them to the charity’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Balerno, where the all-male group have been named John, Paul, George and Ringo.
Inspector Surgeon said: "We don't know how long the turtles had been outdoors for, but clearly it's very cold right now and these are exotic creatures used to temperatures of eighty degrees or more.
“Whoever did this had no concern for their welfare.
"We are seeing an ever increasing number of unwanted and abandoned reptiles coming into our care and it's becoming a real concern for us.
"Exotic creatures require substantial care from the initial set up costs of buying a sizable tank, filter system and UV light to the maintenance costs of heating, feeding and providing vet treatment.
"Over time they can be costly pets to own and it's becoming more common for people to simply dump them on the streets when they've had enough; it's very sad.
"We'll look after John, Paul, George and Ringo until good homes can be found for them."
Abandoning an animal is an offence and anyone found guilty of doing so can also expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.
Anyone with information relating to the abandoned turtles is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
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