Why is it illegal to have miniature turtles in the state of Maine?

Answer 1

it is illegal to sell turtles under 4 inches in the US. this is because of the risk of salmonella. too many kids were putting them in their mouthes....why they did this, i do not know....
the only thing i can find specifically on turtles in maine, is that you cant go catch and keep one, you cant have box turtles or spotted turtles.

Answer 2

Why is it illegal to have "miniature" turtles in the state of Maine ??

"Miniature" turtles or baby turtles are illegal to sell in all 50 states, not just Maine.

The Federal Government has had laws in place for many years regulating the sale of turtles UNDER 4 inches in the shell.
21 CFR 1240-62 is the law:

Sec. 1240.62 Turtles intrastate and interstate requirements.
(a) Definition. As used in this section the term "turtles" includes all animals commonly known as turtles, tortoises, terrapins, and all other animals of the order Testudinata, class Reptilia, except marine species (families Dermachelidae and Chelonidae).

(b) Sales; general prohibition. Except as otherwise provided in this section, viable turtle eggs and live turtles with a carapace length of less than 4 inches shall not be sold, held for sale, or offered for any other type of commercial or public distribution.

There are exceptions:

(d) Exceptions. The provisions of this section are not applicable to:

(1) The sale, holding for sale, and distribution of live turtles and viable turtle eggs for bona fide scientific, educational, or exhibitional purposes, other than use as pets.

For the complete law as it is written, follow this link:

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?FR=1240.62

Answer 3

This is a guess. I think the people of Maine are into protection the environment and/or the little turtles carry salmonella and can make little kids and others sick if hands aren't washed and the mouth and eyes are touched.

Answer 4

Another reason is some states will not sell Turtles that are indigenous (they are from the area) to the state you live in. This is due to people collecting wild specimens and selling them as pets. If they are protected from wild collections, this can help from their numbers from depleting as quickly in the wild. That is why Red Eared Sliders are not allowed to be sold in Georgia pet stores--some sell them anyway, but it is actually breaking the law.

Answer 5

Due to the risk of salmonella....It is illegal to sell any turtle with a carapace length of 4" or less.

Answer 6

many states outlaw them as they can carry salmonella. Also, kids are usually the ones who want little creatures & parents don't always supervise so well, so a lot of these turtles just die from neglect & improper handling, so its just as well I guess.

Answer 7

coz the governer of Maine is alergetic to plastic turtles ;)

Answer 8

small turtles are notorious as carriers of salmonella

and you MUST wash your hands with soap and water
every time you touch them or their habitat

so to avoid a lot of children being sick - ban the turt

Answer 9

They dont sell them in my state either and when i asked why the pet store guy told me it was because too many little kids were putting them in their mouths and getting diseases and choking on them...lol. I was shocked, its weird but true!

Answer 10

you may catch simanela poisoning from them and the pet store doesnt want a law suite