Most varieties of turtles available make really good pets but Tennessee has placed a statewide ban on having these amazing animals as pets because of a fear of the spread of salmonella and other bacterial concerns. This is like punishing people as a whole because of these possible issues that can also be transmitted from lizards and other pets or improper handling of foods in a person’s own kitchen.
If you go to any pet shop, you can view many types of animals for purchase that includes a variety of lizards, snakes, scorpions, spiders & more. There aren’t any turtles here in Tennessee because of the current ban, but you can indeed find specific turtle food, filters, treats and more, which appears strange if the pets are not allowed. Many people have a huge passion for turtles and are responsible pet owners that should be allowed to own and care for a turtle in the proper manner. Rather than have a blatant full ban on turtle ownership statewide in Tennessee, state agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency need to mandate that they draw up requirements for the sale and care of turtles to reduce the transmission of salmonella and other bacteria that can sicken people.
Our efforts in this petition is to urge Tennessee Legislators, Department of Agriculture & the TWRA to work together to lift this ban on keeping turtles as pets throughout the state. It is understandable that there are concerns with health of any animal and we are asking that rather than a ban, instill better regulations for prospective turtle pet owners to abide by specific rules in getting a health guarantee on the animal. We suggest some special regulations such as:
- Allow the adoption of baby turtles that will grow up to a minimum of 4 inches to a maximum of 12 inches. In addition to size of turtles, requirements should be placed on prospective owners to be totally responsible with appropriate tank size, subtrate and meets all needs of the animal. Young children do not make good owners unless under strict supervision of an adult.
- Adoptions need to be with reputable breeders
- Specify some of the best turtles for pets as box turtles, mud turtles, painted turtle, red-eared slider, reeves turtle and wood turtle.
- To ensure the health of a new pet turtle by requiring it get a health exam before adoption is complete.
It is unfair to implement a ban statewide as a precaution when salmonella is present in so many other ways. We strongly urge the state to lift this ban and instead strengthen regulations so that turtle lovers can keep the pets they love but in accordance with responsible specified care. Help us in our efforts to speak out to government officials in Tennessee by signing and sharing this petition.
Tennessee State Legislators, Governor of Tennessee Bill Haslam, Walter Cook of TWRA & Dept. of Agriculture – We strongly urge you to lift this current ban on turtles as pets. Rather than a full 100 percent ban, consider better regulations for perspective turtle pet owners that would mandate that you all work together to draw up requirements for the sale and care of turtles to reduce the transmission of salmonella and other bacteria that can sicken people. Turtles are amazing animals that make great pets when pet adhere to responsible care. Implement regulations as stated in this petition and please lift this statewide ban on pet ownership.