'It's just wrong': Pet owner's plea after 43-year-old tortoise 'taken'

Ann Thatcher, whose tortoise Sesame went missing from his home in Neath, South Wales, is still hoping to be reunited with her beloved pet.

The 76-year-old told Sky News Sesame had been part of her family since he was bought in a shop in Cardiff 43 years ago.

"He's been through five cats, two dogs, two daughters, four grandchildren and various members of the family who've loved him and now gone, so he really is a family member," she said.

"And I just can't believe somebody has taken him like that with no thought or regard for him or for us."

Her young grandson is particularly upset at the thought of Sesame having been taken away.

Sesame would spend most of his time out in the garden, before he would "toddle off to his little house" in the evening.

While police have been informed, there was "very little they can do" without further evidence, Mrs Thatcher said.

She is now offering a £500 reward to anyone who reunites her with her pet tortoise.

Sesame, who Mrs Thatcher described as "quite a frisky male", damaged his shell last year and requires medication.

"After having him, cared for him after all this time, now he's not going to be so well treated," Mrs Thatcher added.

"He obviously isn't, because they don't know him. And that's what bothers me now is that, will he even survive?"

A change in the law was introduced in England and Northern Ireland last year, meaning that anyone convicted of stealing a pet in those nations could face up to five years in prison - but it only extends to cat and dog abduction.

Pet theft is a criminal offence in Wales but is not covered by the Pet Abduction Act introduced last year.

"We're talking about a living thing here, not items," said Mrs Thatcher.

"He's older than my youngest daughter. He's grown up with so many people, it's just wrong, it's cruel to take him away."

-SKY NEWS