Man Offering Tortoise Rides In Stanly County Will Not Face Charges

ALBEMARLE, N.C. — No charges will be filed against the owner of a tortoise after pictures posted on social media showed adults sitting on its shell in Stanly County.

Authorities say the owner of the tortoise is part of a turtle rescue group that travels from zoo to zoo to interact with the public.

After receiving a call for service, a county lieutenant responded to the scene where people were seen taking photos with the tortoise Wednesday afternoon.  Deputies were able to determine that the owner had all the proper paperwork to own and handle the tortoise.

Deputies say they also called N.C. Wildlife officials who confirmed no laws were broken, and the tortoise was in good health.