Devon
tourists are being urged to boycott an illegal trade in tortoises
while on winter holidays. An RSPCA undercover operation in Morocco
recently revealed the market was thriving.
Moroccan storeholders offered undercover RSPCA officers bulk buys
of up to 200 tortoises. They also claimed the animals could be brought
back into Britain despite an European Union ban on imports.
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Morocco
where undercover RSPCA officers were offered bulk buys of
up to 200 tortoises
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More than 500 spur-thighed
tortoises were discovered during a two hour raid at a popular tourist
area. It coincided with inspectors discovering cases of tortoises
here in England.
The charity claims that after years of decline the illegal trade is
increasing.
Today it launches a report on the illegal trade called "Shell Shock"
and far from making suitable pets, the RSPCA says that nine out of
10 tortoises will die within four years of captivity.
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Have
you a story to tell about a holiday abroad? Have you seen
the illegal trading of tortoises?
We want to hear from you.
Send your emails to devon.online@bbc.co.uk
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