Over 200 red-eared slider turtles were rescued yesterday after a misguided group threw the freshwater creatures into the sea in an apparent Taoist ceremony.
A woman notified lifeguards at Angler’s Beach in Sham Tseng that she had seen six people, including a man in Taoist priest’s robes, throw a bag of turtles into the sea at around 11am.
Under Taoist belief, those who release caged animals back into the wild are supposed to receive good fortune.
A lifeguard retrieving turtles from the sea. Screenshot: Ming Pao
Ming Pao reportsthat the SPCA was notified, and had retrieved 245 turtles by 6pm with the help of lifeguards and beachgoers. A preliminary examination by the SPCA’s vet showed that most of the turtles were in good condition.
Unfortunately, a few of the animals had cracked shells and bruises, possibly caused by colliding with rocks while they were being “freed”.
Including yesterday, there have been three reported incidents of freshwater turtles being thrown into the sea at Hong Kong beaches within the last two months.
The SPCA reminded members of the public that releasing freshwater organisms – such as red-eared slider turtles – into the sea could be fatal, and may constitute an act of animal cruelty. Those who breach the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance are liable to three years’ imprisonment and a HKD200,000 fine.
Anyone who is interested in adopting a turtle (or 10) should call the SPCA at 2232 5529.
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