FLINTSHIRE LEADER & STANDARD (Mold, UK) 09 November 07 Terrapin recovering after being strapped to firework

Photo: The terrapin which suffered a bash to the head, bleeding from the mouth and a cracked shell.

A terrapin is being cared for at a reptile centre after someone taped it to a firework and set it off.

The RSPCA has reacted with stunned disbelief after the discovery of a terrapin that survived being taped to a firework in Wrexham.

On Tuesday morning, a dog returned from the garden of its owner's Rutland Road home with what looked like a stick in its mouth.

On closer examination the owner was horrified to find that the stick was in fact a used firework which had a terrapin attached to it.

The exotic creature had callously been taped to the rocket-type firework with white masking tape.

The firework had then been lit resulting in a terrifying experience for the animal.

It is thought the firework was set off on Bonfire night, November 5, meaning the terrapin lay in the garden all night until the dog found it at 7am the next morning.

The terrapin, which is thought to be female, suffered a bash to the head, bleeding from the mouth and a cracked shell.

She has been given an antibiotic injection plus cream has been provided for her shell.

RSPCA Animal Collection Officer (ACO) Claire Davies, who collected the terrapin, said: "I was completely lost for words when I discovered what had happened to this animal.

"For someone to have purposely taped this terrapin to a firework before lighting it is beyond belief.

"After this terrifying ordeal and lying in a cold garden all night it is a miracle that she survived.

"We campaign every year about the dangers and distress fireworks cause to animals but this was a deliberate, premeditated act of cruelty.

"We must find out who was responsible and we are asking the locals of Wrexham to come forward with any information they have.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who saw people setting off fireworks on the streets, people who know of exotic pet owners in the local area and obviously we would like to find out if anyone is missing their pet."

Calls can be made to the RSPCA national cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.

The terrapin is now being cared for at a specialist reptile centre in North Wales.



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