Seven ‘protected’ giant tortoises found dead by police in woodland

Seven Aldabra giant tortoises found dead by police in Devon. (Image: Pixabay and NQ) Devon and Cornwall Police have found seven giant tortoises dead in Devon. Two bodies were found in a wooded area north-east of Exeter on Monday January 8 and another five were found nearby on Friday, January 12.

Police believe they are Aldabra giant tortoises and are investigating the circumstances given the unusual type of incident and the protected status of the animals. Enquiries are underway to identify the owners and find out why the animals were disposed of. Officers are appealing to the public to identify further lines of enquiry that may assist in determining the animals’ origin and assist in the investigation of potential criminal offences.

Inspector Mark Arthurs said: “We are appealing to members of the public for information to try to establish the circumstances around this discovery and to identify those responsible. We would ask that if anyone knows anything, they get in touch.” “We would also like to hear from anyone who has recently purchased a giant tortoise in the area or knows of anyone who normally has a large number of tortoises but has fewer now.”

If you have any information that could help with enquiries, call 101 quoting 50240006127.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.