A man has escaped prison after drunkenly assaulting a pet turtle at a nursery in California.
The tortoise – a 70-year-old African sulcata named Michelangelo – was found bleeding after being hit with 6-inch pieces by a wooden garden gatepost.
A rake handle was inserted between the animal’s head and legs and shards of glass were placed on its back.
George Robles, 42, was sentenced Friday after he failed to contest charges of animal cruelty, commercial theft and vandalism, the San Jose Mercury News reported.
Veterinarian Tal Solomon said Michelangelo was ‘doing very well’ after the surgery. Photo: AP
He was also involved in other break-ins at a preschool in East San Jose, and stole thousands of dollars’ worth of items in the days before and after the attack last January.
Robles was sentenced to two years of probation and required to receive mental health and substance abuse treatment. He was also banned from having any animals for 10 years.
The defendant’s lawyer said his behavior towards the turtle was the result of excessive intoxication, not animal cruelty.
The turtle needed surgery after the attack and was told by the vet who performed the surgery “doing well”.
