News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11th MAY 2018

Tackling the Pet Turtle Threat

CALL FOR A BAN ON TURTLE BREEDING IN NEW ZEALAND

“Turtles have become a pest pet in New Zealand and thereʼs now an urgent need to ban turtle breeding for pet sales nationwide”.

That warning comes from ʻTurtle Rescueʼ in Christchurch. Founder Donna Moot, says “people are buying turtles when theyʼre small and cute not realising they can live for fifty years or more.”

Ms Moot, says “the introduced turtles are being dumped in rivers and lakes in increasing numbers creating a new environmental threat to our native species.”

Of particular concern is the Red-Eared Slider turtle which she says is often bought and sold online, “Theyʼre a strong turtle and will eat native flora and fauna including birds and bird eggs.”

Donna Moot is currently housing 90 rescued turtles and says the turtle population has become a serious problem. “For every turtle that I manage to rehome two more seem to arrive - the only solution is to ban their breeding.”

Some regional councils have already moved to ban turtle breeding but others have not. Donna says a countrywide ban is the only answer.

ENDS
TURTLE BAN VIDEO https://youtu.be/Z1axP49hnkc