A member of the public contacted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) for assistance after a female was seen selling a Leopard Tortoise in the Canelands – KZN earlier today (Friday).
Reaction Officers were dispatched and, on arrival, located the woman in possession of the Tortoise. The female, aged 27 years and from Libode in the Eastern Cape, stated that she had transported the Tortoise to Kwazulu Natal by taxi. She further indicated that she intended selling the animal for R600. The Tortoise was found submerged in water inside 25 litre plastic bucket.
Leopard Tortoises are protected under conservation laws. The possession, sale and transportation of indigenous wildlife without the required permits, including the relocation of animals between provinces is illegal.
The Tortoise was secured and transported to the RUSA Headquarters where it will be handed over to a wildlife organisation for further care.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) is in possession of a permit issued by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife authorising Reaction Officers, in their official capacity, to capture, temporarily possess, keep in captivity, release and translocate certain species of reptiles, amphibians and vertebrates.
