Forest dept to check fish shops for illegally selling turtles as pets

Wildlife enthusiasts and people with certain religious beliefs are allegedly buying these turtles in violation of law.

PRAYAGRAJ The forest department has decided to launch an inspection drive as it has come to its notice that aquariums and exotic fish shops are selling turtles as pets. Wildlife enthusiasts and people with certain religious beliefs are allegedly buying these turtles in violation of law.

Turtles have been put under the protected wildlife species category. (HT Photo)

As turtles have been put under the protected wildlife species category, the acts of trapping and selling them, and keeping them as pets are prohibited and punishable under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

Just a few days back, a joint team of Atarsuiya police and forest officials carried out a raid at an aquarium shop and rescued four turtles of different species. The shop owner, Mohd Farhan, was booked under Wildlife Protection Act and was sent to jail. Four years ago, forest officials had raided another aquarium shop on Noorullah Road and arrested an exotic fish trader, who was selling small turtles of different species.

A person familiar to exotic fish trade, who wish to remain anonymous, said besides enthusiasm and curiosity, religious beliefs related to turtles have increased their demand. Also, just like colourful and exotic fish breeds are popular among people, keeping turtles as pets in their aquariums or small garden ponds has also become a trend. It is believed that keeping turtles bring good luck and wealth. People usually ask for small turtles that can adjust in aquariums and are easier to carry, the person added.

Another exotic fish trader said foreign species of turtle red eared sliders, Indian eyed turtles, Indian roofed turtles, and Singapore turtles are in great demand as they are multi-coloured and attractive. The turtles are usually brought from Kolkata, where they are bred locally or smuggled from outside. Pet and exotic turtles are given special food that is available at pet shops. However, in absence of favourable environment and lack of care, pet turtles do not survive for long. Turtles live in both water and on land but people put them in aquariums where they die sooner, the trader added.

When asked about the issue, divisional forest officer Mahaveer Kaujlagi said, “Keeping turtles is punishable under Wildlife Protection Act. After the arrest of a trader with four turtles, further investigations are being carried out to learn about others involved in the illegal trade. Action will be taken against anyone found selling or in possession of turtles.”