BUSAN: A large turtle believed to be an invasive species was found on the Busan coast with wishes, names and addresses written across its shell, local media reported.
The 30-centimetre turtle was spotted by a 70-year-old local resident surnamed Kim in Gijang-gun, northeastern Busan, at around 7am on Sunday, according to Yonhap News Agency.
An animal rights activist said the turtle appears to have been used as part of a wish-making ritual.
Sim In-seop, head of the animal welfare group Live in Freedom, told Yonhap that softshell turtles, once common in Korea, were traditionally released as part of such rituals intended to help people let go of things that no longer serve their well-being.
“This turtle may have been chosen because they are difficult to obtain,” he said, adding that invasive species should never be released into the wild.
In May, a turtle with paint markings on its shell was found at a beach in South Gyeongsang Province. The shell bore a man’s name and several well-wishing phrases, which helped police identify the suspect and refer the case to prosecutors.
Both releasing invasive species into the wild and writing on or otherwise defacing an animal’s shell can lead to criminal penalties.
Animal cruelty under the Animal Protection Act is punishable by up to two years in prison.
Under the Biodiversity Act, the unauthorised release of an invasive species into the wild can result in up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won ($14,136).- Korea Herald
