Four giant tortoises seized from New Jersey home

The state Environmental Protection Department has seized four giant tortoises, one as large as 500 pounds, from a New Jersey home.

According to the Associated Press, the tortoises were taken from a home in Monmouth County and will be relocated to the Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey.

The Environmental Protection Department tells the Associated Press animal cruelty charges are being pursued by the Monmouth County SPCA against the property owner.

The DEP says neighbors repoted what they described as “crying” by the tortoises, who were being kept in a yard.