DAILY STAR (Hammond, Louisiana) 05 February 03 Vitter attempts to lift turtle ban (Sylvia Schon)
The local turtle farming industry could get a big boost if U.S. Rep. Dave Vitter's proposed legislation makes it through all the hoops in Washington, D.C.
Vitter, a Republican, hopes to change existing federal law that prevents turtle growers from selling the red-eared slider turtle to Americans as pets.
The small aquatic turtles with the distinctive red patch behind their eyes were popular pets in American households until a law was passed the '60s prohibiting their sale in the United States. The turtles are native to the southeastern United States, including this area.
At the time there were concerns about salmonella poisoning from keeping the pets. State Rep. Tank Powell, R-Ponchatoula, said there is new research to alleviate that problem that should meet with federal approval.
Powell hopes Vitter's proposal will be successful.
"It would be a tremendous benefit. We have some of the largest turtle farmers in the state in our area," Powell said.
Currently turtle farms such as Kleibert's in Ponchatoula are breeding and selling the red-eared sliders to foreign markets.
Reopening the American market would boost that business significantly, Powell said.
"This is very very important to our area," Powell said.
Vitter attempts to lift turtle ban