Michelangelo was attacked and stabbed with a wooden garden fence post last year (Photo: AP)

A man has escaped prison after drunkenly attacking a pet turtle at a California nursery.

The tortoise – a 70-year-old African sulcata named Michelangelo – was found bleeding after being stabbed with six-inch shards from a wooden garden fence post.

A rake handle had been shoved between the animal’s head and leg, and shattered glass had been placed on its back.

George Robles, 42, was sentenced Friday after pleading not to be prosecuted for animal cruelty, commercial burglary and vandalism, the San Jose Mercury News reported.

Dr. Tal Solomon transfers Michelangelo, the 70-year-old African tortoise and kindergarten pet from San Jose, to ARCHVET Animal Hospital on Sunday, January 31, 2021, after undergoing surgery the day before after being beaten and stabbed by an assailant in San Jose on Sunday, January 31, 2021. Jose, California. On Friday, December 16, 2022, a judge sentenced the attacker to two years of probation and involuntary treatment for mental health and substance abuse charges, according to The San Jose Mercury News. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group via AP)

But after a visit to the vet he was ready to hit the road again (Image: AP)

He was also linked to other East San Jose preschool burglaries, stealing thousands of dollars worth of items in the days leading up to and after the attack last January.

Robles was sentenced to two years of probation and involuntary treatment on mental health and substance abuse charges. He was also not allowed to keep any animals for 10 years.

The defendant’s attorney said his behavior toward the turtle was the result of excessive poisoning, not animal cruelty.

The turtle required surgery after the attack and the vet who performed the surgery said he was “fine”.

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