Thanks to Katrina for posting this.



You see baby turtles in the market because the law is barely enforced. It does include tortoises.



Here is the law:



TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS



Subpart D--Specific Administrative Decisions Regarding Interstate

Shipments



Sec. 1240.62 Turtles intrastate and interstate requirements.



(a) Definition. As used in this section the term ``turtles'' includes all animals commonly known as turtles, tortoises, terrapins, and all other animals of the order Testudinata, class Reptilia, except marine species (families

Dermachelidae and Chelonidae).

(b) Sales; general prohibition. Except as otherwise provided in this section, viable turtle eggs and live turtles with a carapace length of less than 4 inches shall not be sold, held for sale, or offered for any other type of commercial or public distribution.



(d) Exceptions. The provisions of this section are not applicable to:

(1) The sale, holding for sale, and distribution of live turtles and viable turtle eggs for bona fide scientific, educational, or exhibitional purposes, other than use as pets.

(2) The sale, holding for sale, and distribution of live turtles and viable turtle eggs not in connection with a business.

(3) The sale, holding for sale, and distribution of live turtles and viable turtle eggs intended for export only, provided that the outside of the shipping package is conspicuously labeled ``For Export Only

[ Hide Replies ]

• Legal tortoise size? - bgexotics, Wed Jul 23 20:54:49 2003
• RE: Here is the law - fredbruckman, Thu Jul 24 08:57:47 2003
• RE: Here is the law - fredbruckman, Thu Jul 24 09:00:18 2003