Dead tortoise found dumped in tiny cage at park

A tortoise similar to this one was dumped in a Leicester park

An appeal has been made for information after a tortoise died in a cage that was dumped in a park.

A member of the public found a hamster cage with a tortoise inside in Spinney Hill Park off Mere Road, Leicester, at about 13:00 BST on Friday 11 October.

The RSPCA was contacted, and a vet called in to examine the animal.

Attempts were made to warm the tortoise, but the reptile had already died, said the charity.

Appealing for help from the public, animal rescue officer Ellie Grindrod said the incident was “heartbreaking”.

The cage that was abandoned was too small for the creature, said the RSPCA, and it contained decomposing food.

The tortoise itself was in a poor condition and “looked neglected”, it added.

The hamster cage the reptile was left in was far too small, said the RSPCA

Ms Grindrod said: “We can’t be sure exactly what happened in this case, but it’s possible that the tortoise died before being abandoned outside.

“Tortoises may look resilient and tough on the outside, but they are actually completely reliant on their owners to provide the correct environment for the species, including heating and lighting, and an appropriate diet.

“We understand the financial difficulties some people are experiencing right now, however, avoiding taking your pet for the vet care they need is never the answer.”