WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States applauds federal and Illinois authorities for aggressive enforcement of federal health regulations prohibiting the sale of small turtles. Selling turtles with shells less than four inches long has been illegal since 1975 to prevent the spread of Salmonella.
On Wednesday, two men were found guilty in federal court in the Central District of Illinois of selling or offering to sell undersized turtles at reptile shows in Illinois in 2005. While sales of small turtles are allowed for “bona fide” educational and scientific purposes, Illinois Department of Natural Resources officials were able to buy turtles from the men even though the officials said the animals would be kept as pets.
The men were charged under the Lacey Act; one was convicted of a felony and the other of a misdemeanor. Sentencing, which could include jail time, is scheduled for November.
The HSUS applauds the efforts of federal prosecutors, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Illinois DNR in this case.
“Cracking down on illegal turtle sales puts the industry on notice: stop selling small turtles or face the consequences,” said Beth Preiss, director of the exotic pets campaign for The HSUS. “It also alerts consumers that buying a turtle puts their own health at risk, along with the animal’s welfare.”
In the interests of public health, animal welfare and the environment, The HSUS recommends against getting turtles as pets. People who see small turtles for sale illegally can report them to the Food and Drug Administration at fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html.
An infant in Florida died in 2007 after contracting Salmonella from a pet turtle. The turtle was sold illegally at a flea market and given to the family. The flea market is being sued and is alleged to be responsible for the child's death.
Facts
- Last month, federal officials announced the unprecedented seizure of almost 7,000 undersized turtles from a Florida business. The company was required to pay a $5,000 fine and was placed on probation for two years. The investigation was a cooperation of federal prosecutors, the FDA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Getting turtles as pets threatens their health and the environment. Countless turtles in the pet trade die from poor shipping methods and inadequate care. When turtles outgrow their tanks, they may be let loose outdoors. The red-eared slider turtles popular in the pet trade are threatening native species in multiple states.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.
