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Trafficked pets released back into the wild
“It is such a joy to see these animals go back to the wild where they belong."

Turtles and tortoises were illegally kept and sold as pets 

A new initiative to return trafficked exotic animals to the wild has begun with the release of 79 turtles and 10 tortoise in the Peruvian Amazon.

Most of the yellow-spotted river turtles, which are classed as ‘vulnerable’, were seized from traders who kept them illegally in tubs, buckets or fish tanks. They were sold as pets to members of the public who were wrongly advised that the species is easy to care for.

All 89 animals were rehabilitated at establishments in Lima over a period of months, before being released at the Taricaya Ecological Reserve near Puerto Maldonado.

The successful release was organised by Animal Defenders International (ADI), government authorities ATFFS Lima, the regional government of Madres de Dios and organisations IRUPA, UPA and Animal Voice. It is expected to be the first of many, helping to ensure the future survival of the species.

ADI president Jan Creamer said: “It is such a joy to see these animals go back to the wild where they belong. A life of captivity is no life for a wild animal, and we look forward to returning many more to the habitats from which they were torn.”

IRUPA coordinator and vet Milagros Ramos, who helped to care for the turtles, added: “This is a new beginning and it is immensely satisfying to know that we can rehabilitate more turtles and tortoises, giving these neglected species the attention they deserve.”

Image © ADI

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.