A baby bearded dragon which was reported stolen from a Perth pet shop has been returned inside a box of chocolates.
Stumpy – so called because he only has three feet – was pocketed by a customer at the Perth Pet Centre on Melville Street on Thursday.
It is understood the nine-month-old reptile then went for a ride on a bus and was taken to a chemist shop, much to the surprise of shoppers.
Pet shop owner David Scobie made an appeal on social media for Stumpy’s safe return. He warned that the bearded dragon could perish if exposed to freezing conditions.
Fewer than 24 hours since being reported stolen, Stumpy has been returned to the shop inside a Maltesers box, the man who brought him in claimed he had suffered an epileptic fit and couldn’t remember taking him.
Mr Scobie said: “Stumpy’s a bit cold, but he seems to be doing well. I’m pleased to get him back. I was getting really worried about him.”
It is the second time this year that animals have been reported stolen from the shop. A giant spider, three snakes and a bearded dragon called Edgar were snatched from the store’s former premises at Ladeside in February.
Owner David Scobie said: “There were three people in the shop on Thursday. I was dealing with two customers at the front of the store when this one guy went off to the back, where we keep the bearded dragons.
“He must have taken the stopper off the glass door, opened it and put Stumpy into his pocket.”
Mr Scobie, who moved his business to Melville Street this summer, said: “I only noticed when I was checking all the animals for food and water at the end of the night. I couldn’t find him anywhere.”
Stumpy’s sibling Stripey was left on its own in the vivarium tank.
Mr Scobie put a plea on social media and within hours was told of a possible sighting.
“One woman said she had seen a man on a bus, bragging about stealing a bearded dragon,” he said. “From that, the police were able to find out where the bus was going and where he got off.”
Police were later told about a another potential sighting at a Perth chemist.
“Apparently, this guy was taking Stumpy out and showing him to other folk in the shop,” said Mr Scobie.
“Bearded dragons need heat to survive. Stumpy could die if he’s not kept in the right conditions,” he said. “And this numpty was taking him out and about in this weather.
“It’s hard to believe how stupid some people can be. I heard about a guy who went into another pet shop and tried to steal a £60 fish by putting it in his coat pocket.”
Edgar, now fully-grown, was found days after he was taken from the old shop in February.
He is now doing well and is expecting babies with his partner, Pancake.
