Tortoises attacked by dogs in Charlotte County

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CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. – Some dogs have discovered a new chew toy — the endangered gopher tortoise.

Seven gopher tortoises have been attacked in the last month, several are now recovering at a wildlife sanctuary.

“K-9 versus gopher tortoise… the K-9 is going to win most of the time,” said Robin Jenkins, veterinarian at the Peace River Wildlife Center.

The Peace River Wildlife center in Punta Gorda is nursing the gopher tortoises back to health.

“Watch your dog when they’re outside. Don’t let them run loose in the neighborhood, even when they are in your fenced yard or if they’re on a leash, just keep on what they’re up to,” said Jenkins.

Vets say some of the tortoises being nursed back to health will return to their habitat, but others will have to live in a facility for the rest of their lives.

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