Turtles have fascinated people for a long time. Unfortunately, this interest has lead to many turtles becoming targets of unscrupulous individuals who attempt to smuggle them into countries where demand is high. Not only does this lead to the unnecessary dealth of many turtles, but it endangers the population and health of native turtles. That is because turtles from other countries carry diseases and parasites that native turtles have never previously been exposed to. As a result, many native species are now in serious trouble.
If you have a genuine interest in owning a turtle as a pet, there are things you should know about the situation turtles face and how you can protect them from extinction and harm.
IS OWNING A TURTLE ILLEGAL?
Owning a turtle in Canada or the United States is legal unless you obtained it illegally. If you live in a country other than Canada or the United States, check with your local authorities to find out what the laws are regarding possession of a turtle. Laws to restrict the selling of turtles have two purposes.
1. Baby turtles once commonly sold as pets were identified as a health risk because of the Salmonella bacteria that is present on their shells and bodies. Because of this, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States banned the selling of turtles with a shell less than 4 inches in size. This obviously includes eggs and hatchlings of all species.
2. Many turtle species are endangered and most states have laws regarding the selling of turtles captured in the wild.
If you do own or purchase a turtle you may have to obtain a permit. Not having the proper permits can be considered a crime. So, if you live in the United States, check with your state officials to learn the rules applicable to your particular state.
WHERE SHOULD YOU GO TO FIND A TURTLE FOR A PET?
Never buy a turtle when you are in a foreign country. Dealers are not concerned with how you will get your turtle home. When you get to the airport in your home country you could be held responsible for illegally importing a turtle from another country.
At times the turtles available for sale have been illegally captured in the wild. These turtles have undergone extreme stress by being captured, held captive in small, crowded spaces with other turtles and often neglected, subsisting on meager food and unclean water.
These turtles, who may have enjoyed decades of life in the wild, may live no longer than two years in captivity due to the ill health caused by their capture and lack of care. Individuals who buy from these commercial sellers are inadequately informed on the care and cost of owning a turtle. Serious health problems arise, which are often undetected until expensive treatment is required, or in extreme situations, treatment is ineffective and the turtle dies.
In Canada, there are several breeders who breed and raise turtles for the pet store trade. If you buy your turtle at a pet store, be sure to keep the receipt so that you can prove that you got the turtle from a legitimate source. Other countries may have specific laws covering turtles so before considering one for a pet, check with your local authorities to see if you can legally own a turtle in your country.
Joining local or online groups that are interested in the proper care of turtles can put you in touch with hobbyists and placement agencies which find homes for captive turtles and hatchlings that are in need of a home with a loving owner. It will also put you in contact with individuals knowledgeable about the care required by your unique pet.
Until next time,
Teia
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