A £2,000 reward is being offered for information after two turtles were dumped in a skip in Gornal.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is offering the money in return for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever dumped the two female turtles in a skip on the car park of The Old Bull's Head pub in Redhall Road.

One of the turtles died after its shell was broken by heavy rubbish being thrown on top of her.

They were taken on by the Proteus Reptile Trust based in Sedgley.

The trust said on social media: "Just when we think we’ve seen the extent of the neglect and cruelty animals can endure due to neglectful owners, we meet these poor turtles.

"We were contacted by Jo and Martin; the owners of The Old Bull's Head in Gornal after they were discovered abandoned in the skip on their car park.

"Even worse, the turtles were uncovered under heavy rubbish thrown into the skip, and we think this had been thrown on top of them, causing significant damage to one of their shells.

"This is one of the most heartbreaking cases we have seen for some time and has really upset us to think about what they have endured at the hands of somebody who thought it would be acceptable to simply throw them away like a piece of rubbish and forget about them, likely leaving them to die."

Dudley News: The turtles shell was cracked by heavy rubbish which was thrown on top of her The turtles shell was cracked by heavy rubbish which was thrown on top of her (Image: Proteus Reptile Trust)

The trust fought to save the injured turtle but "the trauma from such a horrific injury was sadly too much for her" and she died on November 23, three days after being rescued.

Sascha Camilli from PETA said the surviving turtle is "expected to recover completely."

The Proteus Reptile Trust, which is a charity, is caring for her and is raising funds for her treatment. 

Anyone with information can call the RSPCA's appeals line on 0300 123 8018.