Tiny reptile discovered in plastic tub

Published on 04/07/2012 12:00

AN exotic reptile has been found trapped inside a plastic container that was meant to transport insects.

The bearded dragon, nicknamed Dumbledore by Scottish SPCA staff due to the Harry Potter character’s own facial hair, was found by a member of the public near Gilmerton Road on Saturday night.

The reptile, which is eight weeks old and about six inches long, is being cared for by the Scottish SPCA’s Lothian Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Bearded dragons have become more popular with pet owners due to their sociable nature. They can live for ten years and grow to two feet long.

They are commonly fed on crickets and other small insects, and even peas and carrots.

Scottish SPCA senior inspector Jenny Scott said: “Dumbledore was found inside a small tub which had holes pierced in the lid. It’s similar to the type of container crickets are sold in.

“Dumbledore could have been recently purchased and taken away inside the tub only to be accidentally dropped.

“However, we are also looking at the possibility someone has purposefully abandoned this young animal. We hope the public will be able to help us.”