Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just want to say that this is in no way intended to disrespect the Asian people or their culture. I just have some questions.

I have recently seen pics of both large and small turtles being butchered alive in an Asian market -- WARNING!!! These are VERY graphic pics!!!

I barely even got past the first one cuz I was just overcome with tears.
I was so devastated. Does anyone know if this goes on in the US? And what can we possibly do to educate people about a HUMANE way of slaughtering these animals? I understand that turtles are used for food and medicine, and I am by no means a vegan, but many of these turtles are endangered and butchering them while they're still alive is barbaric. There just has to be a better way. If anyone has any info, please reply to this post. I just want to get the message out there about conservation and so that others can be educated. All comments are appreciated!
Giant Malaysian Turtle

I don't think anything like that is done in the US. If you want more information on what people are doing to prevent this or just get more information on the general topic go to www.chelonia.org they have a huge section dedicated to the turtle markets.

Thank you so much yhetti! I will definitely check that out! You rock!!!

Unfortunatley -- it IS done in the U.S. I have witnessed this sort of thing in Chinatown in NYC. Turtles kept in vats of bloody or filthy water and then they will kill them for you upon request for turtle soup. Generally they are farm raise Chinese softshell turtles or wild harvest Diamond back terrapins and also wild harvested painted turtles. Also have seen snapping turtles and an occaisonal Northern Redbelly Turtle being sold in these markets.