Legal question:

[Terry Allan Hall]

I may be able to adopt a Gopher tortoise from an individual who really can't keep it, but I'm unsure as to the legality of this: Is there a legal way for me to adopt a Gopher from (presumably) Georgia and keep it in Texas?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[dmmj]

Do you mind a long drive? That is the only way I can think of, of doing it, drive there and bring it back, still illegal, but I don't think you would get stopped.

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

Do you mind a long drive? That is the only way I can think of, of doing it, drive there and bring it back, still illegal, but I don't think you would get stopped.

Hmmmm...don't mind a road-trip, but prefer to see if there's any loop-holes (most laws have 'em) to keep it all legal.

Just called a lawyer buddy and he's looking into the matter (if there's a loop-hole, he'll find it! )

 

[Yvonne G]

No loopholes. The law specifically states that Gopherus species of tortoises cannot be taken across state lines and must stay in the state they're in. They legally belong to the state, even when they're in your care.

 

[Torty Mom]

Even though they belong back in the state whereas they came from?

 

[Jacqui]

Even though they belong back in the state whereas they came from?

I was always told once they left the state, they really no longer "belonged" in that state.

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

Even though they belong back in the state whereas they came from?

I was always told once they left the state, they really no longer "belonged" in that state.

Hmmm...so, if someone surrendered such a tortoise to the Authorities, it'd be euthanized?

 

[Torty Mom]

That is a crime in and of it's self! GRR

 

[Jacqui]

Even though they belong back in the state whereas they came from?

I was always told once they left the state, they really no longer "belonged" in that state.

Hmmm...so, if someone surrendered such a tortoise to the Authorities, it'd be euthanized?

Unfortunately that has been the case often in the past.

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

Even though they belong back in the state whereas they came from?

I was always told once they left the state, they really no longer "belonged" in that state.

Hmmm...so, if someone surrendered such a tortoise to the Authorities, it'd be euthanized?

Unfortunately that has been the case often in the past.

Well, that certainly is a STRONG motivator to obey that law...

 

[zesty_17]

Even though they belong back in the state whereas they came from?

I was always told once they left the state, they really no longer "belonged" in that state.

Hmmm...so, if someone surrendered such a tortoise to the Authorities, it'd be euthanized?

no, they wouldn't euthanize the tort. the states (florida specifically),has designated releasable areas that they take the tortoises, and/or utilizing in permitted organizations research/wildlife areas-like university ecology lands and disney's wildlife reserve...

 

[dmmj]

I know they used to Dr. kervokian them in the past, but more than likely it would be confiscated and then given to an organization to either place or release depending on the state's laws.

 

[ascott]

Hello Terry,

You can always call them directly and find out a "what if" scenario;

Karen Planka
Wildlife Permits Coordinator
Texas Parks and Wildlife
Austin, Tx.
512-389-4491

Good luck, it would be great if someone came across a needy texas tort and was able to fall in love with him and adore him and care for him.... as well as figure a way to do it without a problem....