Buying a Tortoise

Strict regulations now carefully control the import of tortoises into Britain and this has helped to curb the horrendous trade in wild-caught tortoises that used to fill many high street stores. Most of these pathetic creatures died, either from starvation, disease, or injury having been stacked many layers deep.

Recently, however, there has been a new influx of tortoises from Eastern Europe following the expansion of the EU. Unscrupulous dealers are using loopholes in the current EU laws to flood the country with tortoises of dubious origin. So less responsible pet shops are once again selling wild caught tortoises, often terribly starved and diseased, due to the awful conditions in which they are held prior to shipping. Very many of these wild tortoises die shortly after they are bought.

To avoid paying a fortune for a sickly tortoise and furthering this dreadful trade we advise that you don't ever buy a tortoise from a pet shop or dealer.

There are plenty of responsible breeders who breed healthy captive bred stock in the UK. They can advise you on proper husbandry and care. Most will be only too willing to help out if you have any problems, sharing their years of experience in their chosen species.

The Tortoise Protection Group offer a list of responsible breeders. (We have no affiliation with the group other than being ordinary members). Please join the group while you are there and help protect endangered populations of wild tortoises from a terrible fate in the hands of greedy dealers.

© Tortoise.org.uk