Other Turtle Discussion :: Sad to see...

[texasreb]

This weekend my husband and I went to a gun show and there was a vendor selling teeny tiny (< quarter sized) RES and also parakeets. Every kid I saw had a turtle in a portion cup with a lid on it. The portion cups were about 1oz in size. It's rather obvious that 99% of those turtles are going to wind up dead. They'll probably never see a tank or food again.

It should be illegal...

[steve]

I agree... sad to know what people have to resort to for profit.

[Spike 7.62]

I hate to see that. 2 years ago I went to a festival and there was a kiddie pool filled with small comet goldfish they were giving out to kids who could catch them with a net. They were handed out in plastic bags, and in the trash cans throughout the fair you could see them in there I took 4 home with me and put them in my turtle tank. 1 was eaten immediately, one was eaten shortly thereafter but the other 2 grew into big, beautiful fish. They outgrew my 40g tank and I put them on craigslist for free to a good home. A nice couple with an outdoor pond replied, we met and I handed them over. They emailed me some pictures a few months later of the fish in their pond, bright and healthy looking. I wish I had taken more, those 2 were likely the only ones out of 100 or more who had a chance.

I agree there should be greater regulation and enforcement of the pet trade. Handing out turtles in tiny cups or bowls, or fish in simple plastic bags is immoral and not good for anyone; not the kids who see their new pet die, not the parents who have to deal with it and it sure isn't good for the animal.

[steve]

Totally agree. No pet should be considered as disposable.