One of my biggest pet peeves is turtle trafficking. This week I had the pleasure of running into one. A strong feeling came over me, I guess how I would feel if I found out my child was being bullied.
This fine piece of work that was selling the baby turtles (which is illegal) told a family that was out of town to put the turtles in their luggage. I'm guessing he doesn't understand the impact of his ignorance, especially to helpless baby turtles!
Here is my letter to animal control:
To whom it may concern:
I am writing this email to inform you of the disturbing trend I see in Mesa. By disturbing, I mean horrific. Let me explain, about three years ago I stumbled upon a person selling baby turtles at a department store. The turtle was less than an inch, but the seller assured me the turtle would grow (diameter) to about the size of a soft ball. I asked about food, shelter, and care. I was told the turtles could stay in a 3in x 1ft container with a bit of water on the bottom. Food was to be given every two weeks, toughly 6 pellets were given to me. I took my two turtles home. The next day I went to Petco and asked about the turtles and food. There I was informed that turtles needed much more than a small container and 6 pellets. I was also told that the selling of baby turtles was illegal if they were under 4 inches (strange the seller did not inform me of this). I went to the location the very next day, but the seller was not there and I have never seen him since.
I returned to Petco and spent about $500 setting up a turtle shelter with: 25 gallon tank for 2 baby turtles, a water conditioner, an UVB light, a log for basking, water filter, food (fish, pellets, vitamins, calcium, etc), submersible heater, thermometer, etc.
I stress this because I cannot imagine how many people said, "This is way too much money for two baby turtles, let's put them in the river/lake/give them away/let them go/leave them." Luckily my turtles are very well taken care of because I chose to take that extra step to educate myself about them. These sellers need to be stopped as they are responsible for many deaths of baby turtles because they are not properly informing people of proper care AND what they are doing is illegal.
I urge you to, please, not let these dangerous trends continue in Mesa.
I recently stumbled upon a seller in Mesa: Thursday 4/16/09 at 6:42pm on Southern Rd. between Alma School and Country Club (south east of Westwood on Southern) in a Ford Ranger, Arizona license plate: XXX - XXX
I do not know his name, but he was in a tan truck with a number on the side for "Discount Junk Removal"- (480) 200-3331
The seller said he was there "every two weeks" and had "thousands" of baby turtles in his "back yard in a horse tank." I know it's not illegal to have turtles, but he was trying to sell them to myself and others (way under 4 inches) claiming the turtles did not need extra care. He also told people that were from out of town that they could "check them in their baggage" because "that how I got them back East." This atrocity needs to be stopped. I called the non-emergency police number, but they referred me to the Mesa animal control who in turn was not available, so this is my only recourse.
I appreciate your time and understanding. Please do not hesitate to call me anytime:
Dawn
(480) XXX-XXXX
XXXX.XXXXX@gmail.com
Your help is very appreciated.
Here is the reply from animal control:
Thank you for your concern about turtles. We too have noticed an increase in the illegal sale of turtles and have responded to various locations with various sellers. I did issue a written warning once to a young man up near Stapley/McKellips and I know we have been trying to find a woman also selling but sometimes they are gone by the time we get there. Using the information you provided we may be able to find this person so thank you for providing the license plate number. The legislature recently enacted a law making it illegal in Maricopa and Pima counties to sell any animal roadside, in addition to the federal and AZ Game/Fish violations being committed by selling turtles. I also left a voice message on your phone this morning. Again, thank you for the information. If you ever see anyone selling any animal roadside, please call 480-644-2268 immediately so we can respond.
Thank you.
Animal Control Supervisor
Mesa Animal Control
200 S Center, Bldg 2
Mesa, AZ 85210
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
