Reptile & Amphibian Forums

well corner store will be able to legally sell turtles under 4 inches now. The law was disallowed so it is legal to purchase little turtles without the guise of educating someone.

OK, first, I haven't seen where this bill has become law, only that it passed (I think) the senate - it still has to be passed by both sides of Congress and signed by the president, which I haven't seen proof of yet.

Second, the law ONLY allows the sale of turtles under 4" WITH A CERTIFICATE proving the turtles are salmonella free (tested from a laboratory). No certificate = illegal. As far as I know, LA is the only state with a certificate program in place. Plus, there are several states where the sale and/or possession of sliders or turtles under 4" is illegal or requires a state permit (OR, NJ, TN, IN, VA, MD, NC, OH at least).

Katrina

Ok so it only passed one part of the senate. So states will still be able to regulate sales? So basicly it is still illegal? I don't think Bush will really care about turtles with terrorism on his mind. Thanks for the insight.

Yes, states will be able to regulate sales, IF they want to. Take New Jersey. At the federal level, it's legal to sell sliders and other turtles unless they're protected by the Endangered Species Act or are listed some particular way on CITES. BUT, the state of New Jersey makes the sale of any turtle illegal.

So, a state can make a law tougher than the feds, but not make a law weaker (medical marijuana is a whole 'nother ball of wax, though, if you live in CA!).

Katrina