Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I heard a rumor the other day that it was legal to sell baby turtles again and I want to believe it but I don't think it would happen, anyone able to prove or disprove what I heard? Also, I noticed a local pet shop was "adopting" out baby turtles. They had paperwork and I didn't read through it to much, but it seemed like they were making sure the babies were going to responsible owners who had sufficient setups and were well informed. Any idea if this is legal? I know baby turtles are legal in every sense except to sell commercially, but if a pet shop is adopting them out ($20 adoption fee) is that ok for them to do? I'm in middle of Ohio if that effects the laws or not. Thanks for any help.

Have seen them at the last few Texas reptile shows

I may be wrong, but by "adopting" them out, they may get around the laws stating that they can not sell them outright.
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~Sara~
5.5 ball pythons
1.0 Black-lined plated lizard (Lizzy Butt)
0.1 Burmese Python (Pixil)
2.1 Pet Rats
1.1 Dogs (Ozzie and Mandy)
0.1 Cat (Isis)
0.0.1 Synodontis Catfish (Big Spotty Fish)
0.2 Convict Cichlids

Here's something I got off another website, the date was 7/12/07, I don't know anymore about it.

Here's a link to a US News report about the bill

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2007/5/9/turtles-headed-to-a-nearby-petsmart-soon.html?s_cid=rss:washington-whispers:turtles-headed-to-a-nearby-petsmart-soon
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4" Turtle Ban Lifted!

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I had heard over the last few weeks that Congress was considering passing bill H.R. 924 Domestic Pet Turtle Market Access Act of 2007. Well according to a very reliable source, who is also a large turtle farmer the bill was passed yesterday. The reason we know this to be true is that PetCo called and placed a very large order today for baby turtles!

Here are the specifics of the bill.

Prohibits the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from restricting the sale by a turtle farmer or other commercial retail seller of a turtle that is less than 10.2 centimeters in diameter as a pet if: (1) the turtle is raised, shipped, and sold using methods proven to keep the turtle free of salmonella, using salmonella safety standards comparable to standards for other animals allowed for sale as pets or animal products allowed for sale as food products; (2) the FDA has approved a plan submitted by the turtle farmer or seller relating to compliance with this Act; and (3) the farmer or seller makes certain disclosures to the buyer. Sets forth required disclosures, which include: (1) information regarding the dangers that could result if the turtle is not properly handled and safely maintained, the proper handling of the turtle, and the proven methods of treatment that keep the turtle safe from salmonella; (2) a detailed explanation of how to properly treat the turtle to keep it safe from salmonella; and (3) a statement that buyers of pet turtles should not abandon the turtle or abandon it outside, but should instead return them to a commercial retail pet seller or other organization that would accept turtles no longer wanted as pets.

Well as rumor has it and I say that because I can not find anything on the internet to back up my claims, but I heard several weeks ago the house passed the bill with the amendment with a vote of 95 to 3. It has already passed the senate and if what I heard that it has passed the house is true then all it needs to do is be signed by our president to be put into law. So I understand.

the roadrunner
beep beep

The new law has not been signed into effect and would not go into effect, I believe,until 1-1-08 and then you will need to check your local laws. Some states are already making state level laws banning all sales of turtles or turtles under 4”.

Adoptions are also illegal.

Ohio considers RES to be native, and as such, anyone selling them must have a permit. I'd check to see if the pet store had a permit.

As for the "adoption" thing, I believe the FDA regulation states that "in connection with a business" is illegal. And the FDA does not consider a pet store to be "bona fide" educational purposes. How can a pet store ask a $20 "donation" fee for an animal that sells $1 in bulk?

I hope that pet store is letting their clients know that Ohio requires a RES of 4" or larger to be microchipped.

Katrina
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1.2 Eastern Muds - Fred, Ethel, Edith
0.1 Iguana - Tiffel
Foster turtles: More than I'd like the husband to know about.

Ohio considers red-eared sliders to be native.

As such, the SELLER in OH needs to have a commercial propogation permit (costs $40).

The BUYER is required to get a permit within 10 days of purchase (non-commercial permit $25). Once the turtle is 4", the owner is required to have it microchipped (PIT tagged).

Ohio DNR sells PIT tags for $10 to Ohio permit holders.

If you think there is a problem with a native reptile being sold in Ohio, call 614-644-3925 or 614-265-6300.

Katrina