Turtles are one of the most adorable pets to keep. Not only are they docile, they have peaceful smiling faces, attractive patterns and gentle habits. This belies the fact that they are high maintenance pets which need alot of care and space to develop naturally. They require specific conditions like lighting, temperature and filtration system. Many turtles perish because of the inability of pet owners to fulfil those conditions. Some go as far as sending turtles by mail which invariably results in their death. If maintained properly, they can go for decades which can engender fatigue to those who are not in it for the long haul. Some of them free them which is equivalent to criminal desertion and this is illegal since it exposes them to diseases and other risks. It doesn't help matters that turtles can carry salmonella which is infectious. Others inundate rescue groups with calls to take the pets. I suppose that in order to keep turtles as pets, one should dedicate a full time employee to look after them.
