SOUTH WALES GUARDIAN (Ammanford, UK) 14 July 05 Family shell-shocked by 3rd missing tortoise
Fears that a tortoise-napper is targeting Ammanford and the Amman Valley have been heightened after a third pet disappeared.
Pauline Roberts is the latest person to report a missing tortoise to the police.
The devastated grandmother buried one of her other tortoises just days before Rags, her 21-year-old shelled friend, vanished.
Mrs Roberts, of Saron Road, Ammanford, said Rags had been missing since last Monday (July 4).
"The following day we had the big storm, so my husband didn't go out to see him.
"We thought he would be safe in his little dog kennel in the garden. "But when I returned home on Wednes-day he didn't come to me when I called."
Two tortoises were reported missing to Ammanford Police two weeks ago.
Elaine Hawkins, of Trefrhiw, Penybanc, said the officer was stunned when she reported her pet missing.
"In his 20 years as a policeman he had never received a report of a missing tortoise before," she said:
A Garnant family was also left devastated when their pet went missing.
The shelled reptiles have become rare in this country and are a protected species.
A breeding female can fetch up to £600, while a male is worth up to £200.
They even carry their own passports, to prevent them from being sold on the black market.
Owners must prove they were bought legally or face court action and a fine.
Mrs Roberts' four-year-old granddaughter Amara is heart-broken.
"She loves him and has been walking around calling his name," said Mrs Roberts. She is desperate to see him again."
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman said: "Ammanford has had three individual reports of missing tortoises.
"The owners would really like their pets back.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 0845 330 2000."
Family shell-shocked by 3rd missing tortoise