California annually imports two million American bullfrogs and more than 300,000 freshwater turtles for live food markets. None of these animals are native to California. The inhumane treatment of live market animals includes many being killed while fully conscious. Both public safety and the environment are being compromised by these imports through:
- Diseases and parasites found in all live market frogs and turtles, including E. coli, salmonella and pasturella, to name a few
- Depletion of local red-eared slider and spiny softshell turtle populations in states east of the Rockies
- Non-native frogs and turtles preying upon and displacing our native species after being released into local waters
Back in 2009, the California Fish & Game Commission directed the Department of Fish & Game to cease issuing import permits for frogs and turtles used for human consumption. Despite this instruction and support for the proposed import ban by wide-ranging groups, politicians and the general public, permits continue to be issued!
Eric Mills, OHS' Community Relations Director and Legislative Liason, has gathered some surprising background on the Department of Fish & Game. He also covers encouraging news about a proposed Santa Cruz County ban on the importation/possession of American bullfrogs. Finally, learn what WE can do to stop the permits and, thus, the importation of live market frogs and turtles.
Read the Tri-City Voice article "It's not easy being green...live animal food markets": http://www.tricityvoice.com/articlefiledisplay.php?issue=2012-01-10&file=Being+Green++TCV.txt
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