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American Tortoise Rescue "Drowning" in Water Turtles Most Frequently Dumped Turtle is Red Eared Slider Malibu, Calif. - July 10, 2006 - American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit turtle and tortoise rescue based in Malibu, has a large number of water turtles available for adoption. Called red eared sliders because of the red stripe next to their eyes, these are the most common turtles given up for adoption. "People get tiny green turtles in a plastic carrying case with an artificial palm tree at street fairs, pet stores, mercados and as prizes at carnivals," said Susan Tellem ATR's founder. "Unfortunately, no one tells the potential owner that these turtles grow to be anywhere from six to 12 inches long and live 25 years or more, instead of staying that cute little quarter size." Anywhere from 90 - 95 percent die within a year because owners are ill informed by sellers. Worse, Tellem adds, the people selling or giving these away are breaking a Federal law in place since 1974 with a $1,000 fine. The law was enacted to prevent children from putting turtles in their mouths and exposing themselves to salmonella, which many of the turtles carry. Since the law was enacted, it is illegal to sell any turtle or tortoise under four inches in the U.S. It is poorly enforced. Tellem says many animal control officers and wildlife officals don't even know about the law. "Knowledgeable pet store owners defy the law," says Tellem. "This is a miserable situation for both the turtle and the child who holds it and gets salmonella which could kill them. Both suffer." Tellem encourages anyone who sees this illegal activity to report it to the police or to animal control. If all else fails, go to www.tortoise.com and send an email giving the date, time and location of the vendor. Tellem says the best situation for sliders is a private pond, real or artificial. Some people use with plastic horse troughs or plastic swimming pools, but the sides have to be high enough so that the turtles cannot escape and they need to be protect from predators like raccoons. Because turtles can live 25 years or more, adoption is a true commitment. Tellem says, "Many of our sliders have names and are very personable. Some even eat out of our hand." "We recommend homes without small children and dogs," says Tellem. "Children forget to wash their hands. Schools are an absolute no for this reason." Tellem says that dogs think turtles are chew toys, sometimes leading to painful and debilitating injuries to the turtles. Tellem says that red eared sliders, the most common water turtle at the rescue, usually are dumped by their former owners because they just don't want them anymore, they rescued from live food markets where they were slated to become the next unhappy meal and or sold at mercados or by roadside vendors. Tellem and her husband Marshall Thompson founded the nonprofit rescue in 1990 in order to provide a safe haven for these creatures who find themselves exposed to the whims of the pet trade, unscrupulous reptile breeders and street vendors. The couple have saved more than 3,000 turtles and tortoises since then. Located in Malibu, Calif., but with an international membership, ATR offers permanent sanctuary to injured, abandoned and lost tortoises, as well as temporary housing for those confiscated by law enforcement. Foundlings that are ill, neglected or abused and are not appropriate for adoption remain in the care of ATR for the remainder of their lives. For questions, adoption forms, information sheets and other information, write American Tortoise Rescue at 23852 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 928, Malibu, CA 90265, FAX (310) 479-4114 or e-mail info@tortoise.com or visit www.tortoise.com. |
 Alerts & Public Outreach |
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