UNION LEADER (Manchester, New Hampshire) 10 August 08 Store seeks tortoise thief (Benjamin Kepple)
Someone has stolen several tortoises from their outdoor enclosure at a Plaistow pet store, according to employees, prompting concern for the animals' safety.
An employee of Zoo Creatures, at 149 Plaistow Road, discovered the theft yesterday about 10 a.m. The reptiles were stolen sometime between the store closing on Friday night and opening on Saturday morning.
The thieves had used wire cutters to cut through the fence protecting the creatures, which were anywhere from 25 to 100 pounds each. The animals were about to be displayed for a birthday party when the theft was discovered.
"We have one left, because he was too big to fit through the hole," said Brittany Bradwell, an assistant manager at the store.
Bradwell said the store had filed a report with Plaistow police about the theft. The store had been keeping the animals in an outside enclosure due to the nice weather; it is the first time they have had a problem like this, according to Bradwell.
A tortoise can best be described as a land-dwelling turtle, and certain species can grow to become several feet long. They also have advanced life spans, living up to 200 years. The stolen tortoises, according to Bradwell, were relatively young -- anywhere from 30 to 50 years old.
Workers at the store were quite concerned about the animals' welfare, as tortoises are not simple house pets.
"They need all sorts of special lighting, special food, and special care," Bradwell said.
The store has asked anyone with information about the stolen tortoises to call them at 382-3338.
Anyone with information may also call the Plaistow police department at 382-6816.
Store seeks tortoise thief