Two terrapins were found dumped in a bucket in Basildon sparking a warning from an animal hospital charity.
The creatures were discovered in a bucket under a hedgerow by grounds maintenance workers in Basildon.
They were taken to South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Orsett and bosses of the charity say they are caring for the animals.
A spokesman said: "More dumped pets. Two terrapins were found in a distinctive pink bucket under a hedgerow in ice cold water by grounds maintenance workers in Basildon.
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"It is an offence to leave an animal in such a condition that it is likely to suffer. For the love of god people, just stop it.
"We have never turned an animal away, although we have no where to put dogs, so this is completely unnecessary and extremely cruel to leave these defenless animals to freeze to death.
"The terrapins were warmed up gradually and are now in a much more suitable environment."
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