A Fife couple’s hopes of finding their beloved pet were dashed when a tortoise found abandoned in Dunfermline turned out not to be theirs.
The Scottish SPCA are currently caring for a tortoise found beside recycling bins at Asda in Halbeath and the discovery raised hopes for Ceres couple Dave and Louise Conacher.
Dave and Louise are searching for their lost pet April, believed to have been stolen alongside her fellow tortoise, Toby, from an enclosure in Croft Loan last month.
The Conachers were reunited with Toby but he sadly died a week later.
However, April’s whereabouts remain a mystery.
When the Scottish SPCA revealed details of the tortoise found in Dunfermline, the Conachers said there was a chance it could be theirs.
However, Dave said the shell was slightly different.
Louise added: “This isn’t our tortoise but very similar to the one that is still missing.”
A member of the public found the rejected reptile next to the recycling bins at Asda on Monday and contacted the animal welfare charity.
Scottish SPCA inspector Stephanie Ross said: “We’re not sure how long the tortoise had been left there.
“He was spotted at the Asda cardboard recycling point by a member of the public.
“He was found in a box, very cold but still alive.
“We are thankful to the member of the public for finding the tortoise. If he hadn’t been found then he might have accidentally been put in one of the recycling bins.
“He is now being provided with the care he needs in the safety of our Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Edinburgh.”
The charity is appealing for information from members of the public about the abandoned creature.
“We are keen to trace the owner of the tortoise,” said Stephanie.
“If anyone has any information, we would urge them to phone our animal helpline on 03000 999 999. All calls can be treated confidentially.”
