A Queensland woman whose beloved turtle was ‘stolen’ has made a passionate plea for the animal’s safe return.
Mel Lero’s prized pet Squirtle was allegedly ‘turtle-napped’ from her home on McLeod Street in Cairns, on October 12.
But after almost a month without seeing the reptile and no leads from police, vets and the RSPCA, she has taken to social media.
Queensland woman Mel Lero has made a passionate plea for the return of her beloved turtle Squirtle after the prized pet was ‘stolen’ from her home last month
In a post made to the Cairns Animals Lost and Found Facebook group Ms Lero claimed the animal was taken by ‘a horrible person’.
But she believes the former housemate has dumped he turtle after she was unable to pay a ‘ransom’ for its release.
‘I sent (the housemate) a message saying I’ll give you $500 for Squirtle’s return and he said “is that all she is worth to you”?,’ Ms Lero told 9NEWS.
‘And I said what do you want and he said let’s call it $1,500.’
The animal was allegedly ‘turtle-napped’ by a disgruntled former housemate who demanded a ransom
But she believes Squirtle (pictured) has been dumped near Stratford, Cairns, after she was unable to pay the $1,500 ‘ransom’
Squirtle is considered by Ms Lero to be a ‘part of the family’ after she got her when she was just the size of a 50 cent piece.
‘She has a gentle nature to her, walks around the house and loves a pat under her neck,’ Ms Lero wrote online.
Replying to the message Ms Lero said that the turtle was spotted on a road near the Stratford general store Thursday but has not been seen since.
Dozens of people shared her concerns, with one writing ‘Oh noooooo. Why why why Hope you have Squirtle back asap’.
But despite no sign of her precious pet, Ms Lero said she hopes ‘she’s coming home’.
Squirtle is considered by Ms Lero to be a ‘part of the family’ after she got her when she was just the size of a 50 cent piece and often watches TV with Ms Lero