Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Members of the public who are considering purchasing a live animal, should be aware under the above act they must comply with the following FIVE welfare conditions.
1) Provide a suitable Environment
2) Provide a suitable Diet
3) Allow the animal to exhibit normal Behaviour Patterns
4) Allow the animal to be kept with or apart (depending on the species) from other animals.
5) Protect the animal from, Pain, Suffering, Injury and Disease. Ensuring prompt veterinary treatment for sickness or injury, and taking preventative measures to maintain good health.
CITES
There are certain Laws applicable, if you are considering keeping a Tortoise as a pet. If a Tortoise is classed as ‘endangered’ under CITES (Convention in Trade in Endangered Species) it will be classed as Appendix A or B. The following chart gives guidance on the current status of certain Chelonian species.
