Didn't have the mojo to put this in the "In the News Forum"
http://news.yahoo.com/china-seizes-620-turtles-tortoises-smuggled-vietnam-103406318.html
http://news.yahoo.com/china-seizes-620-turtles-tortoises-smuggled-vietnam-103406318.html
I'm with you...off with their hands!Thankfully they were found and alive. Hopefully they stay alive. It so sickens me that this keeps happening. If they would give these people a real punishment, it would make them think twice. Cut their hands off, they can't steal again. So sad too, thinking they would eat endangered species, just sickening.
Who's looking after them, how and where ?
What will become of them ?
How many will survive?
Not too hopeful, I'm afraid.
It's not the poor,uneducated and greedy people with tortoises in their vans or suitcases that need the punishment, it's the people behind them.
I do agree with you, but the people I was referring to, with my suitcase, van comment are people from poor communities in third world countries with no education or understanding of ecology or the value of animals. The people here in Morocco who sell tortoises have no understanding at all of why it is bad and for them it is often their only means of income.~ I disagree, all should be equally charged and prosecuted!
~ I am amazed at how active well known retailers, brokers, etc. in the tortoise community are involved and/or have been charged with smuggling here in the USA. Many are still allowed to actively participate in the trade of tortoise and reptiles even after conviction. I am not going to disclose any names or businesses on here, however a simple google search will easily lead to many active and past cases that may surprise many if any true concern or interest!
~ I disagree, all should be equally charged and prosecuted!
~ I am amazed at how active well known retailers, brokers, etc. in the tortoise community are involved and/or have been charged with smuggling here in the USA. Many are still allowed to actively participate in the trade of tortoise and reptiles even after conviction. I am not going to disclose any names or businesses on here, however a simple google search will easily lead to many active and past cases that may surprise many if any true concern or interest!