Quick action saves turtle mistaken for chew toy at Grey Highlands farm

A Western Painted Turtle had a frightening encounter on a 96-acre foster home and farm sanctuary in Grey Highlands on July 1, 2025. (Flesherton Farmhouse: Foster Home & Farm Sanctuary)

A Western Painted Turtle had a frightening encounter on a 96-acre foster home and farm sanctuary in Grey Highlands.

On Tuesday, the North American reptile was spotted crossing a dog yard when it was mistaken for a chew toy and attacked by hounds.

A member of the sanctuary found the injured turtle and was able to intervene the situation in ample time, “Although upsetting, I am happy I intervened when I did, or the outcome would have been a lot worse,” said one of the sanctuary’s residents.

The turtle was quickly brought inside. From there, a local rescue in Orangeville was contacted. “When I got it safely into the house, I immediately contacted Tiffany from Havaheart Wildlife Rescue in Orangeville,” they said.

HavaHeart Wildlife Rescue Services is an emergency rescue services, acute medical, nutritional support, transitional care, facility transport for post-recovery releases and community education.

Tiffany immediately began coordinating transportation and searching for a vet who could assess the turtle as soon as possible.

Thanks to the quick response and collaboration from everyone involved, the turtle received medical attention and is now on the road to healing its wounds.

“I am grateful for the quick response and for everyone who has helped get it the needed vet care to make a full recovery,” the sanctuary’s resident said in a social media post.