A TERRAPIN and a turtle were found dumped in an ice cream tub at a fast food restaurant.

A man was seen carrying a box into McDonalds in Brighton Marina at 1pm on Wednesday. He left it on a table at the back before walking out.

A yellow-bellied terrapin and a musk turtle were found inside the two litre ice cream container with a wet t-shirt for bedding, some stones and a piece of lettuce for food.

The terrapin was in such a bad state he was put to sleep on the advice of a vet to prevent him suffering further.

The musk turtle, now named Ronald after where he was found, is being treated by a vet. It is hoped a new home can be found for him when he is well enough.

The RSPCA is appealing for anyone with information on the incident to come forward.

Inspector Liz Wheeler said: "I can’t imagine what went through someone’s mind to walk into McDonalds and think - ‘This is a good place to leave two of my pets.’ "It is not just that these animals were dumped which upsets me, but they had clearly not been given proper care.

"The poor terrapin had advanced stages of what the vet thinks was metabolic bone disease. He was extremely skinny, covered in algae, his eyes were closed and puffy and his shell, which should have been hard, was as soft as putty.

"He was nearly dead when he was found and there was nothing which could be done to save him. He had a short life and I imagine was miserable for most of it.

"Ronald the turtle is in a lot better shape but still had a soft shell and clearly has not been looked after properly."

Anyone with information, or who has specialist knowledge and could offer Ronald a home, should call 0300 123 8018.