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Halifax family loses turtle in court fight

A Halifax family who went to court over a turtle they found in a ditch has lost their battle to keep the reptile as a pet.

In March, Mark Palmer and his family found a Florida red-bellied cooter in a ditch by the side of the road near Whynachts Point. It was upside down and "likely to succumb to the elements" if it was left there, according to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia.

The family rescued the turtle and contacted the Nova Scotia Museum in order to accurately identify the turtle species in case it was endangered. Palmer indicated the family wanted the turtle — named Leaf by his two daughters — back if it was possible.

The turtle subsequently ended up in the hands of the Department of Natural Resources and the Palmer family was convinced it would be euthanized.

The reptile was taken to the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park, where it has remained while the case has been before the courts. The Palmers argued the turtle ceased to be in the wild when they took possession of it and that Nova Scotia's definition of wildlife was too broad.

The Department of Natural Resources has the authority to euthanize wildlife if it's in poor health or if department officials feel an alien species is a threat to native breeds.

The origin of this particular turtle — indigenous to Florida — is not known. It was likely brought to the province illegally and either released into the wild or escaped from captivity, according to the court.

In a court decision dated June 20, Justice Glen McDougall ruled the family cannot keep the turtle because it is still considered to be wildlife.

"Its temporary removal from the wild does not alter its usual status of being 'wild by nature,'" McDougall wrote.

"I commend the Palmer family for their efforts to save and preserve this turtle. And, while I have no doubt that they would live up to their commitment to keep the animal in captivity as best they could, this does not override or displace the province's rightful ownership of the creature."

The Florida red-bellied cooter, which was taken to the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park to be treated for various health issues, will remain at the park. Department of Natural Resources officials said for now, there are no plans to euthanize the turtle.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/06/30/ns-florida-red-bellied-cooter-court.html

I guess in Nova Scotia Canada, a species is still considered "wildlife" even when not indigenous to the country...

status of being 'wild by nature,'"

So exactly what is this supposed to mean in relation to a turtle that makes it unsuitable as a pet when millions of the closely related Trachemys elegans are raised and sold as pets worldwide every year?

>>status of being 'wild by nature,'"
>>
>>So exactly what is this supposed to mean in relation to a turtle that makes it unsuitable as a pet when millions of the closely related Trachemys elegans are raised and sold as pets worldwide every year?

... and job justification. Has nothing to do with wildlife, consistent logic/reasoning or common sense.

Yes exactly. They are the masters and we are the slaves. And if a man in a black dress (a "judge" says you can't keep the turtle (your honestly acquired property), then you better OBEY.

and it coming to a town like yours soon. Our new "POST AMERICA 2008" way of life. CREEPY isnt it. vm