Turtle Seizure At Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport has seen the seizure of 87 painted turtles.

The turtles were seized by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) on Thursday. The turtles are not a protected animal however that are not permitted to be brough into the EU. As a result of the seizure the turtles were sent to Blackpool Zoo until it can be decided where they are to be permanently re-homed.

The turtles, some as small as a fifty pence coin, can live for up to twenty years however require a special licence by the owner which was not able to be displayed.

Commenting on the seizure was a UKBA spokesperson who said;

"In the absence of the correct documentation the turtles were seized. This is to protect the natural biodiversity of UK and EU. Animals imported for the pet trade are tightly regulated."

Published by: Jon Vickery