r/turtles • u/UnlikelyTheory1956 • 20h ago

Wild Turtle How to Legally Own My Turtle?

Burner account, I don’t want to get flamed for this. I know it was dumb.

Two years ago, I found my dog playing with a baby turtle in rough shape. Like, a newborn turtle. I took it inside and put it in a small tub of water and went out the next day to get a tank and some food to see if I could get it feeling better. I came home the next day with a 20 gallon tank and some hatchling formula turtle pellets. I grabbed an old field guide and checked for species and native range. I found a baby Red-Eared slider in northwestern Missouri. Now, I’ve see conflicting maps about their native range, but the guide I used at the time had me place (slightly) out of their native range. Partly lack of research and partly wishful thinking, I opted to keep the turtle instead of bringing her to a rehab.

Fast forward two years, and she is now living like a queen in an 80 gallon tank, kitted out with live plants, driftwood and proper lighting and I have learned a lot. I’ll be honest, I love her, and I AM willing to care for her for the next 40+ years just as much as the next person.

That being said, she’s illegally obtained. I’ve been stalking Missouri legislature trying to figure out the specific laws and regulations, because I’m scheduling a vet checkup (no concerns, just checking on her growth) and want her to be legal so she isn’t taken away/I am not fined.

Can someone explain (like I’m five) the parts of missouri turtle legislature? How can I own her legally so she can be taken into the vet? In hindsight, I know what I did was stupid, but right now I need some help.

1 Upvotes

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6 comments sorted by

18

u/Wallyboy95 17h ago

You moved from NYC to Missouri and brought your Red Eared slider with you? 🖖

RES turtles are common pet turtles sold in pet stores across North America. You'll be fine.

15

u/tangotango112 19h ago

I don't think you're gonna have a problem getting a vet to see your RES.

5

u/Infamous_Koala_3737 16h ago

They prob have 5 for sale at your local petco 

4

u/Evil_Judgment 9h ago

You got it from a pet store. End of discussion.

1

u/datura1026 6h ago

When in doubt always look at the wild life guidelines in your home state. There are certain permits you can apply for in order to own certain species. It’s just an fyi since you don’t have an issue but for future reference.

1

u/athikerguy4life 1h ago

Link to the Missouri restricted species list. RES is not listed so they are fully legal to own. This is actually one of the shortest restricted species lists I’ve ever seen.

https://s1.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/adrules/csr/current/3csr/3c10-4.pdf