Update

[JessieG]

Hello everyone thank you for all you advice before, Have just contacted the tortoise shop because something else i purchased from them has broken (after a week!). The man started off by saying they were really concerned and sorry and i can have "whatever i want" then went on to say that what the vet said is just an opinion and that their expert wouldn't have let him go if he couldnt walk properly. I said that whether a creature can walk properly and whether his tail can come out properly can't really be called opinion. Someone will be calling me again later. I'll keep you all informed. Just speaking to them made me really cross again though.

Jessie

[annsimpson1]

ask them who their vet is and suggest that he might like to have a look at the tort?, they probably don't have one

[JessieG]

They've just called and said that i can have my money back and either keep him or send him back where they will keep him in the store with them and care for him. They said hey've contacted the breeder, etc. Any opinions? I dont know how to proceed really. Part of me thinks they should pay his vet bills aswell, but i doubt they'll offer.

[JessieG]

Oh they also said that i was given the wrong info via the net - he's 4 not 2 which accounts for his massive size! Also said his breeder was from cromwell (may have heard wrong) and that if i want to return him and have another i could have a 2 year old from hull. Really dont know what to do as they said they can provide better care where they are. Please help!

[daysleeper1985]

Personally I wouldn't give him back to them, do you really think he would receive better care?

You are right that they should be paying a vets bill aswell not just a refund!

Good luck!

[JessieG]

Yes thank you - a lot of people (inc the vet) told me to send him back and i wavered for a minute but you are right. I'd only feel guilty anyway! I'll keep the fight!

[daysleeper1985]

Clearly of course if you can't afford it or don't have the time then don't, but I think this lucky guy has in a way already been 'rescued' from them

[annsimpson1]

If it was me I'd still continue with the letter from the vet and the insistance on them paying the bills, I'd call thier bluff, they already seem to have admitted some responsibility in that they've offered you a refund, I think they are trying to see how far they go, did you hear back from the TT or TPG? I certainly wouldn't send the tort back and if you accept their offer then they'll just carry on selling ill torts however if you decide to accept the refund offer I'm equally sure everyone will understand but please don't send the tort back, if you can't cope with vet bills etc then I'msure the TT will take him and do the caring and then you can find another tort but from a breeder this time. No one can tell you what to do and it will depend on you and how far you wish to go.

[Mrs Mental]

I'd second what Ann has said

[wizzasmum]

I contacted them with lots of info and pics of what a russian should look like, plus housing requirements etc. I expressed my concern that sick torts were being sold as completely normal and guess what - no response whatsoever