Turtle Saved From Dog Carrier Had No Food, Water: 'She Couldn't Move'

JAMESPORT, NY — A box turtle was rescued from a dog carrier, without food and water, from a home that had reportedly been vacant for more than four months in Mastic, said Karen Testa, executive director of Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons.

Testa, whose organization is located in Jamesport, said the rescue received a call about the turtle. "Her nails so overgrown and curled they were caught on the grate on the bottom of the dog carrier. She couldn’t move," Testa said. "The house she was left in was vacant and scheduled to be demolished. Thank goodness the contractor did a walk-through and found her."

After speaking with the neighbors, he also learned that the former residents had left her behind more than four months ago, Testa said.

"She is now with us; we trimmed her nails over four days — a little each day — and she will stay with us in care," Testa said.

Testa reminded that it is illegal to take native turtles home and out of the wild, regardless of where they are from.

"They are easy targets, because they can’t run away like most wildlife can," Testa said. "It’s like taking a swan home. They need lots of specialized care and don’t usually survive being captive."

Turtles are protected as a species of special concern, she added.

Also, Testa said, if you find native wildlife, always bring the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabber. "It’s illegal to treat any wildlife yourself — you are often doing more harm than good," she said.