Dehydrated turtle rescued by RSPCA with suspected cigarette burns & collapsing shell

The yellow-bellied terrapin is now recovering at a specialist reptile sanctuary Credit: RSPCA

A turtle has been rescued from a garden in Walsall badly dehydrated and with suspected cigarette burns on its legs.

The yellow-bellied terrapin was found by a member of the public on Saturday, who then contacted the RSPCA.

Animal Collection Officer (ACO) Cara Gibbon collected the turtle.

She said:

Fresh water terrapins or ‘sliders include red-eared sliders, yellow-bellied sliders and Cumberland sliders, and are a type of hard-shelled, small turtles.

The RSPCA has issued the following advice to those who keep the creatures as pets.

  • The lifespan of a slider is around 30 years in captivity, so it's essential that any keepers are able to provide the care they will need for the animal’s entire life.

  • Females are the larger of the species at 25cm. Males grow to around 21cm.

  • Terrapins should be housed in large tanks or aquariums or secure outdoor ponds with adequate heating and lighting. These must be secure and free from hazards, children and other pets.

  • Yellow-bellied sliders are also on the European Commission’s Invasive Alien Species list which means there are restrictions on owning and selling. For example, owners must ensure that the animal is kept in a secure enclosure and not allowed to escape.

The terrapin is now being cared for by Proteus Reptile Trustwhich cares for more than 100 terrapins and more than 350 reptiles.

The RSPCA is now appealing for anyone with information to contact the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.