Tropical turtle found dumped in fish tank

3rd March 2006

A tiny turtle was dumped in a fish tank of stagnant water and abandoned by heartless owners near the Dukeries industrial estate in Worksop.

The two-inch turtle is now safely in the care of the RSPCA, which is appealing for information about the animal and how it came to be in the abandoned tank.

The baby turtle was discovered when a member of the public emptied a tropical fish tank they found outside a closed recycling centre in Claylands Avenue, Dukeries industrial estate, on Wednesday 22nd February.

But when the green, stagnant water was emptied out of the tank, a baby soft-shell tropical turtle fell out, and the RSPCA were called.

"It is against the law to dump any animal and this turtle could have suffered significantly if it hadn't been found," said RSPCA Inspector Dave Mcadam.

"The state of the water also indicates that this animal hadn't been receiving an adequate level of care."

The RSPCA is now advising exotic pet keepers to ensure they have the correct facilities, knowledge and the log-term commitment required to care for their pet for the whole of its life.

Potential owners should also thoroughly research the needs of an animal before they consider taking on the responsibility of caring for it, it says.

A new Animal Welfare Bill, expected to be passed later this year, will contain a duty of care disclaimer under which all animal owners will have a legal responsibility to ensure that animals have adequate food and water, appropriate shelter and access to proper veterinary treatment when needed.

If you have any information about the turtle or you suspect anyone of cruelty to animals contact the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line on 0870 55 55 999.

**Since this article was published the turtle has been re-homed**

Dumped pets alert

12th January 2006

Animal welfare chiefs have urged people not to abandoned pets - fearing two guinea pigs dumped outside the RSPCA animal centre could have died.

Two female guinea pigs were left in their hutch in the car park of Chesterfield RSPCA on Thursday 12th January, in an area set aside for hutch donations.

But eagle-eyed staff spotted the pair and are now trying to rehome them.

Centre manager Richard Woodwards said: "Their owners could easily have come in and we would have helped find a home for their pets."

Please contact the centre first by e mail or phone to if you are interested in adopting this lovly pair of guinea pigs.


**Since the news article was pubished the guinea pigs have now found a new home. However the animal centre very often has guinea pigs looking for new homes**

Dumped pups add weight to campaign

27th October 2005

Animal welfare chiefs are appealing for residents to sign a national petition aimed at stamping out cruelty.

The plea by RSPCA bosses in Chesterfield coincides with two puppies found dumped in a bag on the former Bryan Donkin site by a member of the public.

Richard Woodwards, manager of the Spital Lane shelter, has used the case to highlight a campaign in the Sun newspaper which aims to stamp out animal cruelty by encouraging people to sign a petition aimed at updating archaic animal welfare acts and increasing sentencing powers.

Richard said: "We are urging people to come down to the centre and sign the petition so we can send as many copies off as we can to environment secretary Margaret Beckett. These Puppies are an example of how animal cruelty happens on our doorstep."

**Since this article was published, Ken & Annie have now found a new home. However the animal centre very often has puppies needing good homes**

Nannies caring for the homeless duo

1st April 2006

There is no kidding around for animal rescue workers in Chesterfield who are having to look after two homeless goats.

Duo Bonnie and Clyde, who are both about four years old, were brought into the RSPCA centre on Spital Lane at the end of January.

Bonnie is white, while Clyde is black and white with horns, and they were found at an industrial park by an RSPCA inspector after they escaped from their home and their owner decided not to have them back.

Rebecca Taylor, animal care assistant, said: "Bonnie and Clyde are quite nervous and were afraid of people when they first came in but are coming round now."

Ideally the goats need homing somewhere where they can graze and be kept in an enclosed area because of their tendency to escape.

**Since this article was published Bonnie & Clyde have been re-homed**

Animal lovers plea for golden oldies

28th May 2006

Old animals are hunting for new homes after finding temporary shelter with Chesterfield RSPCA.

The Chesterfield centre is looking for new homes for German Shepherd Arthur, who has just celebrated his 12th birthday, and 14 year old ginger short haired cat Freda.

Arthur, who is getting 'desperately depressed' in kennels, was originally brought to the Spital Lane centre last November following a relationship spilt up.

But, although he was adopted by a family in December, he was brought back to the centre three months later when one of their children developed an allergic reaction to his fur.

Gary Taylor, animal welfare supervisor, said: "If this dog was a human he would be a sweet little old gentleman. He's got such a pleasant nature and is so laid back. Both times he's come into the centre have been through no fault of his own. He's desperately depressed in kennels and is losing weight. You get him out of the kennels and he's a different dog, but as soon as you get him back inside he goes downhill again."

Since this story has been published we have found homes for both Arthur and Freda. If you are interested in giving an elderly animal a loving home then please check the website or call the centre on 0870 770 5071, we do get elderly animals in from time to time who are desperately seeking new homes.