ORANGE — An Erving woman faces an animal cruelty charge for allowing a pet turtle to live in foul conditions.
Nicole M. Gleason, 45, was summoned to Orange District Court on Thursday, Jan. 27, and pleaded innocent at arraignment.
According to court papers, Erving Police Sgt. Robert L. Holst reported he responded to 5 Forest St. on Oct. 19, 2016, at Animal Control Officer Art Johnson’s request. Johnson explained there had been an ongoing issue with Gleason leaving her pet turtle in the building’s common hallway despite being told to bring it back into her apartment. Other tenants have complained about the smell coming from the turtle and its tank.
Holst reported that he smelled a putrid odor that got stronger as he went upstairs toward Gleason’s apartment. He said the tank was outside Gleason’s door and the turtle was living in roughly 1 inch of brown, murky water, which Holst determined caused the smell. Holst also reports the turtle did not have any light, heat source, or cover over the tank. He also said the smell was so bad he had to step outside because he felt he was going to be sick.
Johnson removed the turtle for its safety and the health concerns of other tenants. Johnson said he learned from a turtle expert that the reptile was undersized and had a respiratory illness and calcium and vitamin deficiencies due to improper care.
Gleason is due to appear in court for a pretrial conference on March 10.