An RSPCA rescuer dashed to a residential street in South East London after a concerned passerby spotted a tortoise stuck 7ft up on the roof of a car port.
Animal collection officer Mat Hawkins was extremely concerned for the stricken tortoise when he attended the scene in Beckenham on Friday (April 4), particularly as the caller mentioned it was windy..
“I’ve rescued a lot of animals after getting stuck on roofs but a tortoise on a roof is a new one,” said Mat.
“I was particularly concerned that it was reported to be windy in the area and a fall from that height for a tortoise could be fatal.
“But when I arrived it was clear I needn’t have worried and there was no concern for the tortoise’s welfare – as he was made of concrete!”
The charity is urging callers to stop and think before asking for help and to check whether an animal is genuinely in need, as it is working on reduced staffing owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
