The reward for information to catch the killer of a pet tortoise now stands at £700.

Last week, we reported how an angry reader had offered £100 for information after being sickened to read of Fred the tortoise’s killing.

Following this, Paul Newton, of Southsea Avenue, Minster, offered another £100 to go with a £500 reward being offered by the Island branch of the RSPCA.

He said: “I find it absolutely disgraceful that someone could have tortured a defenceless little animal and then discard him – it’s outrageous that such cruelty could happen.”

In our June 26 edition, we told how Joan Field, of Queensway, Sheerness, had discovered her pet tortoise tortured and flung in the Fleet.

Angela Walder, chairman of the Sheppey RSPCA, was outraged and called for people to come forward with information.

She said: “The response to this issue has been over whelming, I’ve never known one like it.

“People have been absolutely appalled by it which suggests society may be going in the right direction.

“If there are any businesses who feel that they or their staff would like to catch the people guilty of this cruelty, then we would be grateful for their help.”

If you have any information about what happened to Fred please contact Times Guardian anonymously on 01795 580300 or email timesguardian@thekmgroup.co.uk