|
Post by verna on Jan 8, 2002 15:06:46 GMT -5
Hi, I got a RES as a gift and i'm planning on moving cross country soon. I will be flying to NJ so I was wondering if anybody knows any of the state and federal laws about these guys? I live in Oregon now and this guy at a pet store told me that sliders are illegal here. He also told me that they are illegal under 4in in the US. So i need to know if i can take her or not, and any advice on how to carry her? Oh, she is about 3 1/2 in. now.
|
|
|
Post by wpglaeser on Jan 8, 2002 15:33:32 GMT -5
First, believe only 10% of anything somebody in a pet store, Home Depot, etc. tell you. And check out the other 90%. Just because people have a certain JOB, doesn't make them an expert (or even KNOWLEDGABLE!). I've learned this by experience very quickly.
Second, I'm not a lawyer, but I believe most of the turtle laws deal with 2 issues:
1) Removing turtles from the wild. 2) Selling turtles.
As for #1, just possessing an RES isn't illegal. EVEN if you removed it illegally from the wild (if there IS a law against that anywhere I don't know) they'd have to catch you doing it. Of course there are some species of animal it is illegally to even possess, but RES's definitely AREN'T in that group.
As for #2, the law forbid selling turtles under 4 inches in shell length, apparently because in the 70's they sold a zillion of them bred under horrendous conditions, and kids who handled them got sick. If you're a turtle breeder, you're GONNA have hatchlings. They don't come out of the shell over 4 inches! Obviously possessing those isn't illegal. Now if you sold them to a pet store smaller than 4", I'm sure the breeder and pet store could get in trouble. They just have to stay with the breeder until they're bigger. (I guess the breeder could give them away to their friends and not get in trouble...)
Either way, you should be OK. I would ask the airline before you travel. I think as long as it's packaged properly and in your lap it probably won't be a problem.
My suggestion (and I'm not an expert), but all you probably need to do is get a small Rubbermaid/Tupperware container that would fit the turtle and a few sopping wet (clean) rags or towels with warm water. You can get them cheap at K-mart. Poke a bunch of large air holes in the lid. Put in a couple of the towels and lay the turtle on them. Maybe put a damp rag over the turtle. Shut the lid when necessary (going through security, takeoff, landing, etc.) Otherwise, you can probably pop the lid to give the turtle more air. Just don't let the turtle get a draft and get too cold. You might even consider bringing some worms in a separate small container to feed him on the flight to nourish/hydrate him.
Again, check with the airline to get their rules on this issue. You may even want to get something in writing in case you run into an ignorant gate agent, security person, or flight attendant.
Make sure the container fits in the underseat compartment!!! I wouldn't put it in the overhead. Argue against this, as he needs air and could get smashed by somebodies luggage!
Also, I'd ask security to hand inspect it's container. I'm sure the x-ray dose is low, but it's probably safer to NOT put it through the x-ray device.
|
|
|
Post by wpglaeser on Jan 8, 2002 16:46:36 GMT -5
Thinking some more about it, if you do the Rubbermaid/Tupperware route, you may even get by with allowing the critter an inch or two of water. If you do that, you can skip the wet rags. The downside is the wet rags allow him to be gently jostled when you carry it, rather than sliding around the container and getting slammed if you just use water. I'd probably go with the rags.
The rags will allow a high humidity level in the container which is what you want. Keeping the lid on and keeping it dark for the turtle will probably reduce the stress on it (which is also what you want - a low stress move). Just don't forget the air holes and occasional opening of the container...
The airline may require a document from a Vet saying the animal is in good health, doesn't have any parasites, or carry any communicable diseases, etc.
I'm sure the airline will want to make sure any live animal that travels in the passenger cabit won't pose a threat, either physically or disease-wise, and that it won't disturb the passengers. It's not like you're traveling with a snapping turtle or snake or alligator or something, but you never know what their regs might be. It makes me wonder how people transport birds by plane.
|
|
|
Post by Webmistress on Jan 8, 2002 22:38:06 GMT -5
Agree, nice info there. In regards with the illegal 4"inch thing, well, basically its like this. Yes, there is a law here in the U.S which states that turtles or "RES" sold uner 4 inches in carapace is illegal. However, EVERYONE disregards this law. Pet Shops everywhere sell hatchlings. So don't worry about it too much because obviously everyone else is disregarding it. The rest has been pretty much covered up with good info. Transportation of Birds: Most animals are transported with the cargo of the plane. Thats where dogs go, cats, etc.. I would think that they would transport birds there too, however, sometimes, if you make arrangements ahead of time and if the bird is quite enough to ride on the plane with the passengers, then they will let you. (sometimes, not all times). I'm sure its like that because, well, how else?...
|
|
|
Post by verna on Jan 9, 2002 19:22:37 GMT -5
Thanks for the great info guys, it helps alot! I will make sure iI call the airline when I book my flight. I will also keep everyone updated on what they say. Tanks again!
|
|