'Unusual' tortoise abandoned in Hello Fresh cardboard box on top of bin in Ladybank in Fife

An “unusual” large tortoise has been rescued after being abandoned in a cardboard box on top of a bin in Fife.

The Horsefield’s tortoise was discovered by a member of the public on October 21 in a Hello Fresh delivery box lined with hay in Ladybank, near Cupar.

Fortunately, the box was dry and undamaged – suggesting it had not been exposed to the elements for too long – and had a Stirling postcode on it.

The tortoise itself was large, and had a misaligned beak which it is now receiving treatment for.

The Scottish SPCA have appealed for anyone who might recognise the animal to come forward.

“The tortoise is fairly large in size, so this could be a pet someone has had for quite a few years,” Scottish SPCA inspector Robyn Gray said.

She added: “We appreciate that vet bills can be a worry and the person who left the tortoise may have intended for them to be found, but this is not the right way to give up an animal if you can no longer care for them.

The Scottish SPCA have appealed for anyone who might recognise the animal to come forward. SSPCA

“Thankfully, the tortoise is unharmed and is now at one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres where they will receive the care they need.

“This is a fairly unusual and distinctive animal so we are hopeful that someone might recognise them. If anyone recognises this tortoise, we would ask that they contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”