Need help asa-

Dogma

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Sep 23, 2017
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Tennessee
I am in a predicament. I rescued a Sulcata from an online sales forum. Basically one of those yard sale sites like Craigslist. I am in the process of getting her to an approved home in another state since they are illegal here...hence the reason I bought her from the guy not wanting her to end up in a bad environment here. She is about 17 years old. She is lethargic and not eating. I want to run off to a vet with her but since she is illegal here no vet will see her. I'm at a loss as to what I can do for her. I'm worried. Any suggestions?
 

Dogma

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Sep 23, 2017
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Tennessee
When I moved here 15 years ago I had numerous reptiles. I had to contact the state to find out what I needed to bring them with me. I had a young Sulcata at the time. They told me that the Sulcata could not come and I had to file paperwork on my snakes in order to bring them. They quoted that they fall under the Tennessee 'Turtle Law'
 

Maro2Bear

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Regardless of the law.....it would help for us to see some pix of your sully, enclosure, and how u r keeping him. The more info the better. Lethargic could come from many reasons...diet, lighting, roaming area, temperatures, etc.
 

Bambam1989

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When I moved here 15 years ago I had numerous reptiles. I had to contact the state to find out what I needed to bring them with me. I had a young Sulcata at the time. They told me that the Sulcata could not come and I had to file paperwork on my snakes in order to bring them. They quoted that they fall under the Tennessee 'Turtle Law'
I believe that law was removed in 2016.
 

Dogma

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Correct. That Tennessee law was on the books since 1977. It was repealed effective June 21, 2016. Restrictions now are under 4" and native turtles.
Thank you for that information. I've been so worried that I would not be able to go to a vet. Now to find one that is familiar with Sulcata's in my area. That in itself will be a challenge. We are very rural here.
 

Big Charlie

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Thank you for that information. I've been so worried that I would not be able to go to a vet. Now to find one that is familiar with Sulcata's in my area. That in itself will be a challenge. We are very rural here.
Her symptoms might be caused by a change in environment. It takes them awhile to adapt to change. Make sure she is warm and has a place to hide. Sometimes you have to feed what the previous owner was feeding, even if it isn't good for them, because if they aren't used to good food, they may not realize it is food.
 

Ramsey

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My pure, raw and unsolicited opinion. I would be highly surprised and disappointed if any vet refused to care for any animal brought in that is in need of care, regardless of legal possession status.

In the medical industry, this falls under Good Samaritan law.

Ok, off my soapbox.
 

Clamhandsmcgee

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Jun 3, 2014
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Tennessee
What part of TN are you in @Dogma? I'm in northwest TN.

Yes, TN laws use to be very strict until recently. I'm known as the tortoise guy around here and I'll get a text from a friend asking if I want a turtle that they found and I have to tell them no, it is illegal to take an animal from the wild. (It's usually a eastern box turtle.)
 

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