Other Turtle Discussion :: Import of RES banned in the EU... What? :(

[cheezu]

Hi everyone,
So I JUST found out that importing RES into the EU is prohibited.
I am so very sad about this. While I'm not living in Europe at the moment and probably won't be moving there anytime soon, I am worried about my turtles.
Does this rule apply to trade or even personal pets? Can it be repealed in any way if the right documentation is provided?
What about the CITES thing...? I find it confusing.
Do you know anyone who successfully imported the turtle and any steps they undertook?
Any help regarding this would be greatly appreciated.

[steve]

I think it applies to commercial and personal. I don't think there's any legal way around it

[cheezu]

Wow, this really is quite shocking to be honest.
I don't want to think about it too much at this point as I'm not moving back anytime soon but again, what do they expect you to do with a pet that you've had for many years? Simply get rid of it or put it down?
They're saying that it's endangering the ecosystem but even that, to me, makes little sense. After all, it is the stronger species that survive - it's just the natural way of life. If RES are more prone to survival than other species, then why can't these so-called environmentalists accept it?
Of course, I know it's wrong to just release your RES into the wild when you're simply bored of it and it's a pity that so many irresponsible owners have done so in the past. In fact, I think this is very cruel, but doesn't the same thing happen to cats and dogs? Aren't stray cats and dogs continuously multiplying?
Anyway, sorry for the rant.
I hope that in a few years there will be a way around this ridiculous rule.

[cheezu]

Also, in my home country you can still adopt RES. You just need to register your turtle because I think that they want to keep track of all the owned RES in case they get released by their owners. So why wouldn't they let me bring my two with me once I return there?

[steve]

They're simply invasive and can easily push out a native species. They are that aggressive and very hardy. Laws usually have good intentions but are either interpreted and/or executed poorly.

[cheezu]

I know what you mean but the same could be said of cats, dogs, rats, bunnies... virtually any kind of pet that has the potential of getting released and multiplying rapidly.
I completely agree with the import law when it comes to trade - also for the reason, that most RES are kept in horrible conditions.
But as for pets, I think it's quite absurd.
I'm surprised there are no complaints regarding this law or any kind of petition. Surely, there must be some people with beloved RES who oppose this law and do not intend to part with their turtle.

[steve]

There should be a way for responsible keepers to keep what ever (reasonable) pet they want but it's not priority stuff for politicians. Basically, if I kept RES in a country with strict rules, I would keep a low profile.

[cheezu]

There should be a way for responsible keepers to keep what ever (reasonable) pet they want but it's not priority stuff for politicians. Basically, if I kept RES in a country with strict rules, I would keep a low profile.

I know... My main concern would be getting the turtles there. Once, they're already there, it wouldn't be much of a problem.

[steve]

It's already very difficult and expensive to transport turtles... impossible in most cases.

[cheezu]

Well, one of my friends managed to transport his pet snake back to my home country and I've had an acquaintance who used to always travel with her Russian tortoise on the plane. She had a little carrier for him like the one used for cats. Too bad I'm not in touch with her anymore.
I know that there's a company here that does transport reptiles among other pets and this is specifically mentioned on their site, so if I ever need to leave, I'd contact them first and see what happens.

[steve]

If she has any good ideas, feel free to post them

[BOBOTHETURT]

I think its only res as they still sell ybs . I don't think anyone would find out bout our pet, if someone finds out just say its a ybs