Appeal for return of stolen Netley Abbey tortoise

Thaki is 17 years old but could be expected to live into his 80s

A tortoise owner has said she is "sick" after her pet was stolen from its garden enclosure.

Kathy Cousens said Thaki was taken on Monday afternoon while work was carried out to replace a fence at her home in Netley Abbey, Hampshire.

The 17-year-old tortoise does not hibernate, but "shuts down" for a few weeks at a time in the winter.

Mrs Cousens said her family was missing Thaki and appealed for his safe return.

The animals can live for up to 80 years and Mrs Cousens said she had hoped Thaki would be handed down the generations in her family.

He is described as being "about the size of a side plate" and has a distinctive shell which was damaged in 2009

She said: "I just feel sick - he's in a vulnerable position.

"I just want to put it out there - if anyone has him, just take him to a vets or leave him somewhere safe."

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed it received a report of a stolen tortoise and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

The family hope to have their pet back by Christmas

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