Turtles suffered behind the front door.

You don’t expect it, but there are still thousands of turtles kept as pets in the Netherlands. And that often comes at the expense of animal welfare.

It starts with the misinformation at the time of purchase, in addition to the fact that there is little real knowledge of what a turtle needs. So many animals are in small containers, get one-sided food, do not have good lights or, for example, do not even have a decent piece to sit dry.

It is often a matter of ignorance on the part of an owner and the intentions are right, but the implementation is simply not sufficient. In addition, it is sometimes very difficult to find good reliable information on the internet.

If something like this happens to a dog, cat or rabbit, for example, many people know that it is not right and that they have to do something about it. But with turtles, the knowledge of many is so low that they unconsciously do not even pay attention or do not know whether the housing is good.

Every day we see the consequences of turtles who come from dire conditions and sometimes even have lifelong residual symptoms. Aquatic turtles that can't swim because they haven't been able to for years. Animals with completely deformed shields, animals with severe defects and especially often shield rot and extreme weakness. We often get them refurbished but unfortunately often not. Years of neglect often take their toll.

In the meantime, the Dutch Animal Protection Inspection Service has also enforced the welfare of turtles more firmly and we work very well with them to make the world more beautiful for every turtle species. With the aim of housing the animal better, never to take an animal away!

Do you doubt the welfare of a turtle you have seen? Then check the following default list:

-Does the aquatic turtle have enough space to swim?

- Is it a tortoise? Does the turtle have a good floor covering and enough room for movement?

-Does the animal have an UVA and UVB lamp and is there a heat spot present?

-Does the aquatic turtle have a large enough piece to be able to sit completely dry under these lamps?

-Does the animal look energetic and fit? Are the eyes clear and is the shield neat?

-Does a tortoise have food and water available?

-Female animals must have a sandbox with a depth of at least one and a half times the length of the turtle.

This is a standard list, but you can read it up for specific needs.

Do you doubt and want advice? Then we are always ready to think along.

Do you really have a strong suspicion of neglect or abuse? Call 144.