New Tortoises For Blackpool » Blackpool Zoo

New Tortoises For Blackpool
09-10-2008

A zoo in Lancashire has taken in 50 tiny turtles that had been imported from the USA to be sold as pets.

Although the southern painted turtles were declared at customs at Manchester Airport, the importers were unaware they required a special licence.

Ten of the turtles in the consignment from Florida died after their journey, while the rest are being cared for at Blackpool Zoo.

They are currently each the size of 50p pieces, with markings on their backs.

'Extremely stressful'

The turtles can grow up to 10ins (25cm) in length and can live for up to 20 years in captivity.

Jude Rothwell, from Blackpool Zoo, said: "As the importers of these reptiles did not have a licence for the turtles they were confiscated by Customs and Excise.

"The airport's animal welfare officer contacted the zoo to ask if we could take them in.

"Many of them appeared rather lethargic and were placed in holding tanks where they are being fed and carefully monitored whilst we await instructions from Customs and Excise."

She added: "Sadly 10 of the turtles didn't survive the weekend, but the others are doing well.

"It just shows how dangerous it is to import creatures like these for the pet market, it is extremely stressful for them."

18-11-2008

BBC NEWS | England | Manchester | Illegal turtles seized at airport

Blackpool has taken in 87 painted turtles which were confiscated

18-11-2008

What pains me as a reptile lover/breeder about this type of news that we allow exporters and importers to trade in reptiles without due diligence ... We actually do have international regulations under IATA for animal transport and welfare designed for a 95%-98% survival rate during and after transport.

Yet no or very few importers or exporters are ever prosecuted for violating the IATA regulations or an animal welfare fellony. Confiscations are fine if these are followed up with significant financial penalties and actual jail terms for exporters/importers who violate regulations.

Well if and when it happens, financial penalties (I seldom hear about actual jail terms) are donned out, these are but a fraction of the profits these traders make on the imported stock anyway.

Why will our state departments not enforce EXISTING regulations properly!
(yes, this is a formal complaint by a member of the public)

What are your opinions on this ...?