Turtles mutilated, legs cut off
Armidale, NSW (AU)Incident Date: Thursday, Nov 1, 2007
Disposition: Open
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
The RSCPA is investigating the mutilation of turtles near the grounds of the University of New England, at Armidale, in northern New South Wales.
It says at least three turtles have had their front legs severed in the last couple of months.
It is believed the legs were cut with a surgical tool, possibly a scalpel.
The organisation says the incidents have similarities to attacks on three kangaroos at the university's wildlife enclosure six months ago.
Regional inspector Michael Makeham says they are taking the attacks very seriously.
"There's pretty hefty fines that come for someone that is prepared to do this sort of thing to an animal," he said.
"I mean a turtle is pretty helpless without its legs and to cut those front legs off and let it to die is an act of cruelty.
"With that can come a fine of $25,000 as well as two years imprisonment." References
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