Health warning after turtle theft

Aquarium staff and police have issued a safety warning to thieves who have stolen two turtles from a tank at a south Wales shop.

The Chinese soft shelled turtles were being kept in a tank at the Tropikarma aquarium in Barry.

The turtles which were about five-years-old and about six inches in diameter were noticed to be missing on Sunday and concern is growing.

The reptiles can pass on salmonella if they are not handled properly.

They are also prone to fungal infections if they are not kept in proper conditions.

Jo Giles, who runs the aquarium in Holton Road in the town said the turtles need to be looked after carefully to prevent the owner and the turtle from becoming ill.

"I noticed them in the tank at about midday but when we closed for the day at about four o'clock, they had gone," she said.

"We are worried about them because they do need special care and they need to have a proper tank and the right feeding."

Soft shell turtles have long necks and protruding noses which allows them to snorkel the surface of the water. They are known as shy creatures and have soft leathery shells. They can live up to about 25 years.

Health risks

"I think maybe they were mistaken for terrapins and ideally we would like them back," said Ms Giles.

"But we are more concerned with the safety of the turtles and would rather that whoever took them either to return them, or pick up some care leaflets.

"We will even go as far as to give a free second hand tank to keep them in," she added.

South Wales Police think that youths may have stolen the turtles as pets without realising the potential health threats.

Officers have warned parents and youths to contact the aquarium direct, the local police on [phone] or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to ensure the turtles are handled safely.