Printer than ever with remote animals...

Despite the fact that the "season of dumped turtles" has not yet begun, it is busier than ever with surrendered animals.

Last week we were approached by first a social worker and then a neighbor with the question if we could help with the reception of 5 turtles from a gentleman who has to stay in the hospital for a while.

After I had spoken to the neighbor and had indicated that there are surrender fees involved, Mr. gave them then on marketplace to put. I indicated to Mr. that the welfare and interest of the animal are always more important to us than money and that if this is a problem, it can simply be indicated. When I asked if the animals were okay and if they were taken care of, I was told that there was absolutely no hurry, they were fine and were well taken care of. After that, Mr. thanked kindly and there was no call back. Such things keep haunting my mind and I always find it hard to let go. Knowing that we can't save the whole world.

This afternoon my phone goes: The LID (National Inspection Service Animal Protection) has received a report via 144 about neglected animals, including 5 turtles. Now you can guess which 5 they are.......

The owner voluntarily renounces all animals but refuses further any financial contribution. Fine, take them with you. These animals must be helped anyway!

Later today they were brought by the LID, this air I will not forget soon and no matter how thoroughly the animals are now polished: the air is still horrible. The animals have -as usual- been in rotten water for several months, after they were also temporarily kept in the crate with all of them, but on the advice of an animal ambulance have been put back into the water until today.

The surrender fees for a turtle are indeed higher than for a dog or cat, purely because shelters and shelters can almost always put these animals for adoption and we with a lot of turtles can not. The vast majority live permanently in the shelter for years. The cost per turtle does not cover the first year and the other 19 years.

We realize that if you have several turtles, it is a high amount and we are always willing to help. The welfare of the animals comes first. Many people have already been helped in debt restructuring etc.

I believe in the power of social media by sharing these stories so that we can still raise some donations and we will always be able to help these kinds of animals.

(Annabel v/d Horst, National coordinator Stichting Schildpaddenopvang Nederland )