An abandoned terrapin that swallowed a hook and was fished out of a lake obviously did not have a taste for worms.

When the red-eared male, a species that originates from North America, was operated on by Dover vet Jeremy Stattersfield, he soon produced the hook from inside the terrapin, but found the worm was still attached.

The creature had been found by an angler and was passed on to the RSPCA.

Mr Stattersfield explained that recent years have seen an influx of terrapins, once popular as pets, being irresponsibly released into the wild because they grow too big to keep.

“This terrapin was the size of a dinner plate,” he said.

It was found about 10 days ago and operated on last Tuesday.

“He’s doing absolutely fine. He is fit and well and very lively,” said Mr Stattersfield.

The terrapin is waiting to be rehomed by the RSPCA.

Mr Stattersfield added: “The message has to be releasing animals like this is irresponsible and it is unfair on the animal and on our indigenous wildlife.

“Because they get so big, they’re very hard to keep as a pet in the long run and they should approach somebody like the RSPCA who will always help with unwanted pets.”