A woman, aged 29, from Boston, Lincolnshire, is currently facing investigation by Lincolnshire Police, who allege that she smuggled a baby tortoise into the UK. The reptile, touted as having been purchased for £10 at a market in Tunisia, was concealed in a cigarette packet, reports suggest. Arguably, the tortoise is a Testudo graeca, a species classified as endangered and thus protected under laws at the international level. To bring light to the legal consequences of buying exotic animals outside of the UK, Lincolnshire Police are leveraging this incident as an educational opportunity for the public.
Now bearing the name Gulliver, the tortoise has been taken into the care of Wild Things Rescue UK. Lucy Steele, a representative from the charity, openly stated that upon arrival, Gulliver was in poor shape. “He is a wild animal, not an accessory,” she outlined, putting emphasis on the tortoise’s unsuitable handling.
The offences alleged are under the purview of the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 and the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979. Those found guilty could face either financial penalties or imprisonment for a period of up to seven years. Det Con Aaron Flint, of Lincolnshire Police, advised strongly against introducing animals into the UK without obtaining the appropriate legal permissions. “Even what appears at first to be an innocent purchase, can result in significant charges,” was his warning.
If in possession of information regarding the unlawful trade or import of endangered species, Lincolnshire Police are urging local residents to get in touch.
This story has been sourced, in part, from original coverage found at www.bbc.com, as adapted to The Lincoln Post’s reporting standards.
