If you saw a tortoise in a pet shop and you thought it didnt look right what would you do?

Speak to the pet shop owner in the first instance and voice your concerns.

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as above, first step is to talk to the shop oner or manager. But rememebr that a petshop does not have to keep the animal in a way that an owner would. they just have a duty to provide interim accomodation that meets the animals basic needs for accomcodation, food and natural stuff like uvb and heat. maybe print of some care sheets for the owner if you get no joy on the first occasion. DONT go the rspca, waste of time and gives them more ammo cos they are anti exotics. if you still get no joy then go the local council and speak to the animal licensing officer. they have a duty to make sure all petshops are operating within the constraints of the law.

what is it that you are unhappy with in regards to the tortoise and the petshop?? does the shop have a good track record??

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my bright red hair is very SHORT........where did it go!

It comes down to this in a pet shop... the shop is the expert and you are the novice.

That's important in the approach.

I would say... have said... excuse me but that animal doesn't quite look quite right. The emplyee immideately gets defensive... You then explain that you have a passion for that type of animal... and you lay down some credentials... the employee... usually opens up... and is open to suggestions.

The key... lines of communication...

Ed

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Ed @ not allowed to post a link
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Buy it and give it the home it needs,
which is probalby why we have so many animals,one day i'll think before i spend lol.
Gerry.

And contibute to the trade? I don't think so.

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I agree with Tina and Tinkerbell - I would voice my concerns to the staff -they may not have realised there might be a problem with it - there is a "Pet animals act 1951" that outlines conditions ect. if they are in breach of any of these and the animal is unwell then maybe something could be done.

For most of us having tortoises for pets makes us passionate about them and when you see them in conditions that we think are unacceptable to ourselves we find it sad. ( i am not knocking any pet shops) just we dont see them as a "product" for sale - a shop is a business!

Sorry just got back to this thread (forgot to subscribe to it )

I havent had chance to ring the shop or pop back but the tort that I was concerned about appeared to have a lower jaw protruding past the top draw.

If I remember correctly it was a horsefield.

In responce to someone saying buy it and give it a home. I wish I could but I have no room for more torts until mine are living outside.

I have a freeish day tomorrow so will try and ring them.

Speak to the owner first and voice your concerns put please don't have a go at them for being in a Viv, they have no choice due to security

Don't buy from pet shop Jason ?