Say No to Salmonella and Support the Small Turtle Sale Ban
Final signature count: 15,942
Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Small turtles seem like great pets, but they carry the dangerous bacteria salmonella. Don't risk your family's health.
Small turtles, though cute and seemingly harmless, are silent carriers of the dangerous bacteria salmonella. Parents often mistake these adorable creatures as suitable domesticated pets, since they’re ostensibly so benign. However, bringing a small turtle into a home with children can pose significant health implications.
The FDA placed a ban on small turtle sales for this reason back in the 1970s, but a group of farmers from Louisiana is now suing the FDA and claiming the ban is negatively affecting their livelihood. But the fact is, there is simply no good that comes out of the sale of these animals. Aside from the salmonella issue, the turtles usually don’t do well in captive environments.
We need to stand up for the safety of our children and the turtles and continue to support the ban. Sign the petition asking FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg to confirm the legitimacy of the ban of small turtle sales.