Tortoise Battle Lands Family In Court - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

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

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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.

Marvo301 · 04-14-2011, 01:27 AM

Like the old saying says "no good deed goes unpunished"!

catlover79 · 04-14-2011, 01:37 AM

Ai yi yi!!!

tiredmike59 · 04-16-2011, 05:01 PM

wouldnt you hate to be one of those kind where you lug that big shell around but are unable to crawl inside ? whats the point of having a shell ? a little girl (about 5 or 6 years old) lived next door to me, found out about a box turtle that hung around my front porch behind the bushes. she asked to see it, but when i found it, it was all inside its shell, sealed tighter than a can of sardines. i showed it to her and said, he is not out today, must be sleeping.
she said, " maybe he's not home " i told her i better put it down so he can find his house when he comes back. then she replied, " good idea "

04-14-2011, 01:27 AM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	Like the old saying says "no good deed goes unpunished"!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

04-14-2011, 01:37 AM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	Ai yi yi!!!
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

04-16-2011, 05:01 PM	#4
tiredmike59 Member Senior Member Join Date: Jun 05, 2010 Location: OUTLAW STATE {MO} Posts: 1,868	wouldnt you hate to be one of those kind where you lug that big shell around but are unable to crawl inside ? whats the point of having a shell ? a little girl (about 5 or 6 years old) lived next door to me, found out about a box turtle that hung around my front porch behind the bushes. she asked to see it, but when i found it, it was all inside its shell, sealed tighter than a can of sardines. i showed it to her and said, he is not out today, must be sleeping. she said, " maybe he's not home " i told her i better put it down so he can find his house when he comes back. then she replied, " good idea "