70 Hatchling Turtles Rescued from Chinatown's Live Animal Market
An Animal Rights Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM

American Tortoise Rescue
March 2017

Since 1974, Federal law has prohibited the sale of turtles with shells under four inches in the U.S. over concerns about the transmission of Salmonella especially in children. Despite this important law, millions of hatchlings are sold throughout the U.S. via online sales as well in the cruel pet trade. Chinatown and Santee Street in Los Angeles are notorious for selling baby turtles in plastic bags or small containers with a plastic palm tree.

turtle hatchlings

American Tortoise Rescue received 70 tiny hatchling red eared slider turtles confiscated during a sting by Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS). The confiscation was a coordinated effort by LAAS, ATR, Voice for the Animals Foundation (VFTA) and California Turtle and Tortoise Club (CTTC), Valley Chapter.LAAS sent six plain clothes officers in to cite the shop owners. In addition, to make sure the landlords were aware of the illegal sales, they were cited as well.

turtle hatchling

turtle hatchling

 Since 1974, Federal law has prohibited the sale of turtles with shells under four inches in the U.S. over concerns about the transmission of Salmonella especially in children. Despite this important law, millions of hatchlings are sold throughout the U.S. via online sales as well in the cruel pet trade. Chinatown and Santee Street in Los Angeles are notorious for selling baby turtles in plastic bags or small containers with a plastic palm tree. Most die with weeks or months even though the average lifespan is 25 years. While the vast majority of hatchlings are harvested in the south, they come into the U.S. from Mexico. They reach California through distributors who bring them to sellers in high traffic tourist areas like Chinatown, Santee Street and even the LA subway system. Unfortunately, California does nothing to stop the constant flow. See videos of hatchlings here http://bit.ly/2ninsLL.

According to Susan Tellem, executive director of ATR, "These are adorable and an impulse buy for 10 bucks - a good daily income for some street vendors and small shops. Unfortunately, most die from ignorance or neglect, and some even are flushed down the toilet alive by unhappy parents."

"LAAS is always appreciative of our private partners like VFTA, ATR and CTTC who tipped us off that these tiny hatchling red eared slider turtles were being sold illegally. These sliders could cause a serious public health challenge -- especially for children -- but our partners also are helping get these little sliders get the care they need so they can grow up to be healthy adults," Brenda Barnette, general manager LAAS, said.

Melya Kaplan, executive director of VFTA, who works tirelessly to stop the tide of abandoned animals said, "If turtles could scream in pain like cats and dogs, this could never happen."

Unfortunately, all turtles, no matter what the size, should be handled as if they carry Salmonella because most have no symptoms. There is no known treatment for Salmonella, and even if you treat the Salmonella in a pet, it returns. Children under five, pregnant women and the elderly, as well as those with compromised immune systems are at risk of serious illness or even death from Salmonella infections. Turtles are not appropriate for classrooms because of the risk to children who often handle the turtle or touch the water and then put their hands in their mouths. "Show them pictures," Tellem says.

To prevent Salmonella:

  • Wash your hands with hot, soapy water (preferably antibacterial soap) after handling the pet, its cage or cage accessories.
  • Wear gloves and face protection when cleaning a cage or changing the water in a tank, pool or pond.
  • Always supervise and minimize a child's handling of a reptile.
  • House reptiles away from the kitchen, dining room and food preparation areas.
  • Never kiss your pet.

ATR is looking for foster parents or forever homes for the hatchlings. It is normally a two - three year commitment as they need to be big enough to be safely rehomed to a private pond. All that is needed is an inexpensive Rubbermaid tub, turtle food, some rocks to sunbathe on and a window where they can get some daily sun. Los Angeles area residents should email [email protected] for more information.

Thanking you in advance for your help and support of these special turtles. Donate at our website - Tortoise.com.

Return to Animal Rights Articles