Press Item: Public urged to avoid runaway iguana

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Posted by Desiree on July 01, 2001 at 20:04:56:

Public urged to avoid runaway iguana

Police are appealing for help in finding a missing pet iguana, while warning the public not to approach the reptile.

The creature is three-and-a-half feet long, with long claws and a tail it may use to whip people - especially anyone trying to pick it up.

The iguana, which went missing this morning from a house in Croft Road, Benfleet, Essex, has an aversion to women and tends to jump up at them.

Police say they are concerned that if the creature is not recaptured tonight, it may find its way on to the grounds of a nearby school.

A spokeswoman says: "We would urge youngsters attending the school to look out for the iguana, but under no circumstances try to approach him."

A spokeswoman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says: "Iguanas have got quite long, thin claws which are sharp, but they wouldn't be aggressive to people - although the best thing to do is leave them alone.

"Anyone who finds the iguana should call the police or RSPCA.

"People have not got anything to worry about, they are quite harmless and not aggressive. They love the sun and foliage."

Iguanas are vegetarians, eating mainly fruit and vegetables.

The RSPCA spokeswoman adds: "They really should be in their natural environment and we are concerned about people looking after animals like iguanas. People often do not understand their dietary needs and, if not fed the right food, they can end up with a deformed spine."

Story filed: 21:25 Sunday 1st July 2001

Public urged to avoid runaway iguana

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: Public urged to avoid runaway iguana : Police are appealing for help in finding a missing pet iguana, while warning the public not to approach the reptile. : The creature is three-and-a-half feet long, with long claws and a tail it may use to whip people - especially anyone trying to pick it up. : The iguana, which went missing this morning from a house in Croft Road, Benfleet, Essex, has an aversion to women and tends to jump up at them. : Police say they are concerned that if the creature is not recaptured tonight, it may find its way on to the grounds of a nearby school. : A spokeswoman says: "We would urge youngsters attending the school to look out for the iguana, but under no circumstances try to approach him." : A spokeswoman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says: "Iguanas have got quite long, thin claws which are sharp, but they wouldn't be aggressive to people - although the best thing to do is leave them alone. : "Anyone who finds the iguana should call the police or RSPCA. : "People have not got anything to worry about, they are quite harmless and not aggressive. They love the sun and foliage." : Iguanas are vegetarians, eating mainly fruit and vegetables. : The RSPCA spokeswoman adds: "They really should be in their natural environment and we are concerned about people looking after animals like iguanas. People often do not understand their dietary needs and, if not fed the right food, they can end up with a deformed spine." : Story filed: 21:25 Sunday 1st July 2001

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