A PAIR of terrapins have been found dumped by the side of the road.

The slider terrapins were found in a tank by a member of the public at 9.30pm on Monday, April 3, in Ombersley, near Droitwich.

The RSPCA is now appealing to the public for help finding out who abandoned them.

RSPCA inspector Adrian Langley said: "These two terrapins appear to have sadly been completely abandoned.

"They were left in tank that had water in it with terrapin food beside it in a rural lane. Both appear to be in good condition and are very active and seem to have been well cared for before they were dumped.

"Sadly, terrapins are often dumped when they become too large or difficult to care for, even though this is irresponsible as it can cause them suffering.

"It may be that people dump them because they can live a long time and grow fairly large."

Red-eared and yellow-bellied terrapins or ‘sliders’ are considered ‘invasive alien species’ under a new EU regulation and so there are now strict restrictions on the sale, breeding, keeping and transportation of these terrapins.

Nicola White, senior scientific officer for the RSPCA, said: "Terrapins and turtles need to be cared for properly in a setup that mimics their natural environment as much as possible.

"Reptiles appear to have increased in popularity as pets and the number of related incidents dealt with by the RSPCA has risen in recent years too.

"Sadly as their popularity as pets increases so does the number of calls we receive about them and we are experiencing widespread neglect of reptiles across the country.

"We discourage anyone from buying any pet on a whim and strongly urge people to think carefully first before buying an exotic pet, so they know what is involved and how long it is likely to be for.

"The keeping, breeding and sale of red-eared terrapins or sliders, and subspecies, are also now subject to strict controls due to the potential danger they pose, as non-native species, to the natural environment."

Anyone who has information about the two terrapins can contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

For more information about how to care for terrapins, and details of regulations mentioned above, visit rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/other/terrapin