Photos From ACRES: Animal Concerns Research And Education Society (Singapore)'s Post
ACRES 
May 7, 2017 
ACRES, NGOs 
0 comments
| Tweet |  |
RED-EARED SLIDERS/TERRAPINS FOUND WITH WHITE SPOTS: PETS OR WILD ANIMALS?
[Graphic images in album]
Early this year, ACRES Animal Crime Investigation Unit visited 14 aquarium shops in Singapore that sold red-eared terrapins.
Out of these 14 shops, 10 shops had each put on display for sale juvenile red-eared terrapins who had generalised or round, distinct whitish lesions on the shell (as shown in 4 of the photos). Whilst some of the shopkeepers informed us that a number of terrapins have died in the past few days, 5 out of these 10 shops had dead or weak/inactive terrapins during our visit. Our observations also showed that most shopkeepers were oblivious to the health condition and had very limited knowledge about the red-eared terrapins they were offering for sales. The range of reasons shared for the white spots included exposure to too much sunlight or that it is normal part of the skin on the shell. They also informed us that this is the first time they are seeing white patches on the shell.
ACRES had presented our findings to the AVA for further investigations. If this is the first time the shopkeepers are noticing such white markings and there are mortalities, ACRES is concerned that these terrapins should not have been imported or these events should have been reported to appropriate authorities and the animals should have received appropriate care and treatment before being displayed for sale.
The European Union, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Taiwan have already banned the importation of red-eared sliders, and prohibit keeping of this species as pets – for reasons ranging from invasiveness that could affect the native turtle species and risks of spreading Salmonella to the handlers. The Global Invasive Species Database (2009) lists this species as as a pest in Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Israel, Ruyuku Islands (Japan), Latvia, Poland, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan and Thailand.
From our experience of sighting red-eared terrapins in almost every single public freshwater body in Singapore and rescues of terrapins run over on the roads (shown in photos), bitten by other animals or caught with litter or fish hooks, these turtles definitely do not make suitable pets in Singapore with possibly the highest abandonment rates. We urge and hope that Singapore follows the example from other countries banning the import of red-eared terrapins into Singapore.
Like other turtle species, red-eared terrapins are also wild animals with diverse needs in terms of space, sunlight and more. In addition to being an invasive species, very often, these animals end up being abandoned to fend for themselves in unfamiliar environments, and may end up getting run over on the roads or stranded in small drains and at times attacked by other animals.
If the demand stops, the trade will too! Please say no to buying/keeping these turtles as pets. If you already have a red eared slider/terrapin and are unable to provide for him/her – please do not release or abandon him/her. Instead, it is your responsibility to find the terrapin a suitable home. You can enquire with landed properties with enclosed outdoor ponds for a possible re-homing solution!
Please share and spread the word – you may change the future of these animals who are imported in hundreds of thousands to meet the demand in the pet trade!
WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES IN ALBUM
#ACRES #EndAnimalCruelty #Animalcrime #Redearedterrapins #sliders #terrapins #Singapore #invasive #wildlifetrade
Source: https://www.facebook.com/ACRESasia/photos/a.223077136522.136..
| Tweet |
|
Facebook Comments