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| Dead tortoise Wilton-Tortoise Centre Posted: 18/08/2015 by serena86 |
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Hello, a couple of months ago I bought a 1 year old Hermann from Wilton (The Tortoise Centre), chipped and born and breed in the UK according to the certificate. However only a few weeks in, he started to be very lethargic and barely moving or eating. A trip to the vet revealed he was impacted/constipated and we were sent home with a powder full of minerals and after a few baths he started to get better. This is until yesterday when I went back home in the evening after only 4 hour alone and I found him dead! I am going to see the vet tonight and see whether he thinks there was any underlying problem... we only had him for just over 2 months! I understand from other posts her and on other forums that this is not the first time that something similar happened to tortoises bought at Wilton and I wish something can be done to stop them! Can anything be done to stop them? It's heartbreaking :( | |
| Re: Dead tortoise Wilton-Tortoise Centre Posted: 19/08/2015 by Tom |
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Hello Serena, I'm sorry to hear what happened. Many people are fooled by the impressive name, "Tortoise Centre" - whereas in fact the Wilton Pet Centre is a big scale pet shop & importer, dealing in many types of reptiles, birds & mammals. They import 1,000 or more tortoises in each consignment, which are then couriered to pet shops, garden centres, etc., throughout the country, as well as to individuals. Is it surprising, given the above facts, that there are problems. Look at Box 10 on the Certificate, "Country of Origin," - what does it say ? What did the vet have to say ? I suggest that you demand a refund from Wilton's - let us know how they respond please. Sadly tortoises are seen as a "sustainable resource" by the Government Licensing Authority. Regards, Tom | |
| Re: Dead tortoise Wilton-Tortoise Centre Posted: 25/08/2015 by serena86 |
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Hi Tom, Thanks for your reply. Sorry i didn't see your message until now! As country of origin it says UK, so if as you say they import tortoises, they are breaking the law, aren't they? The vet did a post mortem and found him with no fat reserve and said that he was malnourished and probably kept in the shop or elsewhere for a year is very little food or with other tortoises and was unable to get the right amount of food. Basically even if we kept him well and gave him all the right food etc, he had a bad start of life. I am planning to go to see them on sunday and assess how they keep animals in the shop. It's not about the money, I just don't want other people to buy from them anymore. It looks like they've been going on for 15 years! I would like to report them to the council and rspca, will it do anything? Thanks Serena | |
| Re: Dead tortoise Wilton-Tortoise Centre Posted: 26/08/2015 by Tom |
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Thank you for your reply Serena, I'm amazed that the Country of Origin (in box 10) is UK - a first! You need the p.m. results & the vet's comments in writing, to help your case with the RSPCA & the Council and to back up your case for a refund. I know it's not about the money, but you are entitled to it. The torts you'll see in the shop are the tip of the iceberg. It's good that you are prepared to stand up & 'fight'. The more people that do that, the chances of Council acting are better. Keep us informed please, Tom | |
| Re: Dead tortoise Wilton-Tortoise Centre Posted: 26/08/2015 by serena86 |
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Thanks Tom. I will ask the vet for a copy of the results of the post mortem before asking wilton for a refund and report them to rspca and the council. I'll keep you informed. Serena | |
| Re: Dead tortoise Wilton-Tortoise Centre Posted: 13/09/2015 by Tom |
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Any refund Serena ? Tom | |
| Re: Dead tortoise Wilton-Tortoise Centre Posted: 28/09/2015 by serena86 |
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Hi Tom, sorry I've been traveling (and still am!), but as soon as I am back later this week I will send you the copy of the certificate they gave us and also ask for a refund from Wiltons. I have chased the vet for a copy of his report. Thanks for your help | |
| Re: Dead tortoise Wilton-Tortoise Centre Posted: 16/10/2015 by Tom |
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Any refund get Serena ? They pay up if pressured. Tom | |