Family Ties Forever!
04-14-2011, 12:55 AM
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Tortoise Battle Lands Family In Court
By Hasti Taghi
Posted: Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Updated: 6:44 pm CDT April 13, 2011
Video
Houston -- A court case is revolving around an African Spur tortoise. Andre and Tammy Coetzee said Tammy found the 18-inch-long tortoise on the side of the road and saved it from being run over. They said they brought the animal home and took it to the vet, paying the medical bills to help it survive. Months later, they said another family found out about it and claimed the tortoise was theirs, taking their claim to the police. The Coetzees said they received a notice that they were expected in court on theft charges. Neighbor R.D. Floyd said he's baffled by this reptilian fight. "I don't know of any tortoise theft ring. I don't know if it's a big thing or not. I doubt it. These people are animal lovers. How he makes his living is taking care of animals and taking care of people who have animal problems," said Floyd.
Floyd said Andre Coetzee owns a wildlife management company. "That's pretty much what they would do if they saw a stranded animal. They'd pick it up and take care of it," said Floyd. Police and the courts denied KPRC Local 2's requests to discuss the matter, saying it is an ongoing municipal court case. The Coetzees said the judge told them he will issue a warrant for the tortoise. The Coetzees said they just want to get the money back they've spent on the reptile.
Floyd said the family deserves an apology and to have the case dropped. "If I had a tortoise and it got loose, if there was anybody in the world that I'd want to find that is that man. I mean because he's like the dog whisperer for wild animals," said Floyd.
Copyright 2011 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved.
Tortoise Battle Lands Family In Court
By Hasti Taghi
Posted: Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Updated: 6:44 pm CDT April 13, 2011
Video
Houston -- A court case is revolving around an African Spur tortoise. Andre and Tammy Coetzee said Tammy found the 18-inch-long tortoise on the side of the road and saved it from being run over. They said they brought the animal home and took it to the vet, paying the medical bills to help it survive. Months later, they said another family found out about it and claimed the tortoise was theirs, taking their claim to the police. The Coetzees said they received a notice that they were expected in court on theft charges. Neighbor R.D. Floyd said he's baffled by this reptilian fight. "I don't know of any tortoise theft ring. I don't know if it's a big thing or not. I doubt it. These people are animal lovers. How he makes his living is taking care of animals and taking care of people who have animal problems," said Floyd.
Floyd said Andre Coetzee owns a wildlife management company. "That's pretty much what they would do if they saw a stranded animal. They'd pick it up and take care of it," said Floyd. Police and the courts denied KPRC Local 2's requests to discuss the matter, saying it is an ongoing municipal court case. The Coetzees said the judge told them he will issue a warrant for the tortoise. The Coetzees said they just want to get the money back they've spent on the reptile.
Floyd said the family deserves an apology and to have the case dropped. "If I had a tortoise and it got loose, if there was anybody in the world that I'd want to find that is that man. I mean because he's like the dog whisperer for wild animals," said Floyd.
Copyright 2011 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved.