Acres says it attended to three cases concerning the welfare of eight red-eared sliders in just one month. - Photo: ST
SINGAPORE: People keen on keeping terrapins as pets need to realise that the animals are not easy to care for, said a Singapore animal welfare group.
The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Feb 26) said that in just one month, it attended to three cases involving eight red-eared sliders.
The non-native terrapins were found in conditions that raised concerns about their welfare, it added.
Red-eared sliders are among the most popular pets in the world, and a common invasive species that are native to the warmer climes of the south-eastern US and near the Gulf of Mexico.
In Singapore, they can be found in ponds and reservoirs, according to information found on the National Parks Board portal.
In its post, Acres said many people do not realise how difficult it is to care for terrapins, and as a result, the animals often suffer in unsuitable environments.
Under the Emode model, a tool used to classify pets according to the difficulty involved in caring for them, terrapins are in the difficult or extreme category, said Acres.
The other categories in the model are easy and moderate.
In its post, Acres said: “Many people buy terrapins because they are small, cute and inexpensive, sometimes costing as little as $2.
“However, their long lifespan and complex needs make them a huge commitment – one that many owners are unprepared for.”
Terrapins require special attention, plenty of space and the right conditions to stay healthy, said Acres, adding that recreating their natural habitat at home is “extremely challenging”.
Animal lovers can use the Emode model to assess if they are ready to get a pet, said Acres.
The model takes into account factors such as the biology and behaviour of each animal species, lifespan, and if the creature requires a specialised habitat and feeding. - The Straits Times/ANN
