The RSPCA was called to Gate Street in Tipton, in the West Midlands, on Sunday (16 October) after the reptile was found and safely retrieved from the dog. RSPCA inspector Dawn Burrell went along to collect the spur thigh tortoise, believed to be aged around one, and took him to a nearby specialist exotic vet. “Dogs and cats often bring in rather random things for their owners but I think this gentleman had a bit of a shock when his pet brought in a tiny tortoise!” inspector Burrell said.

People who want to combine volunteering with discovering England and Wales are being offered a free holiday as part of YHA's Working Holiday programme. The youth hostelling charity, YHA (England and Wales), is offering up to five nights' free accommodation at 40 of its properties throughout England and Wales in exchange for volunteers' time to help them get Youth Hostels ship-shape for spring 2017.

A drive to make sure people recognise hate crime and know how to report it is under way in Sandwell. A best practice forum held as part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week highlighted concerns about under-reporting of incidents. Organisations including Sandwell Council, West Midlands Police, Rights and Equality Sandwell and Victim Support agreed to raise greater awareness, especially around how to report incidents.

Black Country Chamber has taken action after receiving a number of reports from members relating to crime in the Bilston area. The crimes included break-ins at businesses which have resulted in criminal damage and theft. This impacts heavily on local industry and can result in companies considering relocation if problems persist. To support local Black Country businesses, Craig Fowler, a Black Country Chamber Relationship Manager, contacted the Wolverhampton Business Crime Reduction Group to advise them on the issues businesses are facing.

With bonfire night only a few weeks away and Christmas and New Year on the horizon, many pets will feel anxious with the looming firework displays. Lots of animals are afraid of the loud sounds and flashing lights that accompany fireworks, but there are lots of ways to make sure your pet feels as comfortable and safe as possible on the night.

Drivers in the West Midlands commit more emotion-related road offences than any other UK region, according to new research from motoring experts Confused.com. The survey of UK drivers revealed that 4.5 million motorists admit to committing motoring offences, such as running red lights or speeding, as a result of feeling emotional. And it turns out 23% of drivers in the West Midlands alone do this.