Red-eared sliders rescued from the pet trade
July 4th, 2007 by admin
Beginning on Sunday, pet stores in Florida can no longer sell red-eared slider turtles. The small turtles have been popular pets, but sadly are often considered disposable. In banning their sale, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was concerned primarily about the turtles impact in the environment (when released by irresponsible people, the “non-native” turtles mate with Florida’s Yellow bellied-slider turtles), but the prohibition will also prevent the suffering of thousands of turtles who are purchased on a whim and then neglected in barren tanks. A study by the Humane Society of the United States found that over 90% of hatchling turtles sold died within one year of purchase because of improper care, neglect, and abandonment.
It remains remarkably easy to purchase other exotic animals, such as iguanas, at pet stores. These animals are often marketed as low-maintenance pets; the truth is much different. The overwhelming majority of people who obtain reptiles and amphibians are unable to provide the care they require. We hope that the FWC will enact further restrictions on the sale of exotic animals in Florida.