Does the 4 inch law still stand?

[Amelia]

It seems to me that more and more half dollar sized Red Ear Slider turtles are being bought and sold. Does the "4 inch" law no longer stand? I know of one that has about 10 for sale, and another with adults and babies, though there is a sign on the tank that says "turtles uner 4 inches not for sale". I also know at least 10 people who have bought them in the last few months. I was under the impression that it was illegal to sell turtles under 4 inches.

Could anyone enlighten me?

 

[dtknow]

Still stands, and as a note includes both turtles and tortoises.

However, it is not well enforced and their is some grey area on what really is educational or scientific purposes. Also, small exchanges between hobbyists may be excepted.

Typically to get around this many petstores will display the turtles as NFS but sell them under the table.

I see both pros and cons with this law. One con is it makes it financially impossible to CB turtles/tortoises if it were to be fully enforced-that is. No one could ever compete with WC turtles if CB turtles had to be raised to 4 inches CL.

 

[It_Glows]

sorry, completely off topic...when i first read i thought it said "does the four in lawn still stand?"

 

[Jormungandr]

It still stands, but basicly nobody follows it.:evil:

 

[jayefbe]

The 4" law was enforced because people were buying baby turtles for their kids. These kids were sticking the turtles in their mouths and getting salmonella. In short, the law was passed due to hysteria caused by parents being dumb enough to let kids stick turtles in their mouths. It's a ridiculous law.

It is illegal to sell turtles or tortoises under 4" unless it is for scientific or educational purposes. That is just vague enough that they can be sold. Basically, a seller keeps a sign of saying under 4" only sold for educational purposes, and just makes sure that they are selling them to a responsible adult.