[2me2u]

I dont know if anyone has heard about this, but if you havent here it is :P

Tortoise charge denied Apr 12 2007




[By Daniel Cochlin, The Journal]


A man accused of stealing a rare and expensive tortoise from a Northumberland pet shop yesterday appeared in court to deny the charges.

Three-year-old Dally, an Indian Star tortoise, was taken from the Fish Trek store at the Shades of Green Garden Centre, North Seaton Industrial Estate, Ashington, on September 4 last year.

At Newcastle Crown Court yesterday, Terry Barclay, of Newburgh Street, Amble, Northumberland, pleaded not guilty to theft and also to handling stolen goods between September 3 and 17.

The 48-year-old was granted unconditional bail until his trial on June 6 this year.

Shop co-owner Helen Edwards, 28, had put posters in and around Fish Trek offering a reward for the return of Dally, who was worth £500.

She had given up any hope of finding her when she heard a customer had been buying items for an Indian Star tortoise.


Inquiries revealed that the woman had been given the pet by a man who called at her door.


It was explained to her that the tortoise had been taken from the shop and Dally was returned safely to his pen, none the worse for wear.


Ms Edwards had said if the tortoise was not returned quickly, it could have died within days.


The Indian Star tortoise, known as the Geochelone elegans, is found in dry areas and scrub forest in India and is popular within the exotic pet trade.


A typical hatching could bring up to £500 but raising them in captivity is extremely difficult.


To own an Indian Star a person must also have a licence from the Government.