EVENING GAZETTE (Middlesborough, UK) 15 June 04 Stroll on mate I only went for a bit of a wander
A Teesside resident stumbled upon a super-sized surprise during an early morning stroll.
The walker discovered she wasn't the only one taking a wander along Cowley Close in Seaton Carew when she saw a huge tortoise.
The rescuer called in the RSPCA last Monday to unravel the mystery surrounding the wandering creature, which was christened Tommy by animal collection officer John Lawson.
And immediately after a radio appeal, bosses at the animal welfare charity found the owner of the beloved pet, which measures 30cm from nose to tail and 18cm across.
Mr Lawson said: "We are very impressed indeed by the condition of the tortoise - his shell is immaculate, without a single chip or scrape. He has obviously been incredibly well cared for."
Tommy, which is actually the animal's real name, was being cared for at the home of an RSPCA exotics expert on Teesside until his owner could be found.
And he made a new friend at his temporary home, in the shape of another tortoise Toni.
"It turns out his owner lives just around the corner," said Mr Lawson. "I think the owner was doing some improvements to his garden gate at the time. We are very pleased we have found him."
http://icteesside.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0001head/page.cfm?objectid=14335001&method=full&siteid=50080
THE JOURNAL (Newcastle, UK) 15 June 04 Search on for Victor's owner
An appeal went out last night for the owners of a large tortoise to come forward after their pet was found wandering down a main street.
The tortoise has been nicknamed Victor after the grumpy TV character Victor Meldrew from One Foot in the Grave as he walks like the tortoise from the sit-com's opening credits.
The creature measures 12 inches from nose to tail, and is seven inches across, and was found in the middle of Cowley Close, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool.
The RSPCA were called and Animal Collection Officer John Lawson rescued the unusual stray.
He believes the pet had been taken then abandoned.
Mr Lawson said: "We are very impressed by the condition of this tortoise his shell is immaculate, without a single chip or scrape.
"He had obviously been incredibly well cared for.
"The only mystery is where he came to be found.
"Given how slow tortoises are, it's unlikely he's escaped from anywhere.
"I would guess he's been lifted out of his owner's garden and then abandoned by those responsible.
"We'd love to be able to reunite this creature with his owner."
An RSPCA spokeswoman said the tortoise was being looked after by an expert.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA on 08705 555999.
http://icteesside.icnetwork.co.uk/thejournal/news/news/page.cfm?objectid=14333698&method=full&siteid=50081
BBC (London, UK) 15 June 04 Giant tortoise is found in street
The RSPCA is hunting for the owner of a massive tortoise which was found taking a morning stroll in Teesside.
The reptile, which was spotted in Cowley Close, in Seaton Carew, measures 18cm and 30cm and is in perfect condition.
RSPCA Animal Collection Officer John Lawson was called to catch the tortoise which had wandered into a garden.
Anyone in the region who has lost a tortoise is asked to contact the RSPCA on 08705 555999.
Mr Lawson said: "We were called after a woman managed to catch it, although it was no high-speed chase.
"I went into the garden and it was in the corner, but when I got back from getting a box from the van, it had gone and we had to look for it.
"We have no idea who owns it but it is definitely an owned tortoise because of the condition it is in. Its shell is immaculate without a crack or scratch.
"This one could be anywhere up to 80 years old and someone is going to be missing it."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tees/3807601.stm
