WASHINGTON, May 15 (UPI) -- The U.S. Congress is considering a bill that would ease a 32-year-old ban on the sale of baby turtles as pets.
The Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of small turtles because they commonly carried salmonella bacteria. Louisiana turtle farmers told The Washington Post scientific advances in turtle care have reduced the likelihood of salmonella.
Last week, the Senate unanimously accepted an amendment to a drug regulation bill that would require states to regulate the care and breeding of turtles. It would also require turtle retailers to disclose salmonella information.
"The science and technology have caught up with the problem," Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., told the Post. "I believe the safeguards are in place."
The House has not considered the amendment, but the Post reported animal rights groups are expected to work against it.
