to say no to adpoting a turtle?

[LoopsInHoops]

We live in SE Asia. DH has agreed to having a pet turtle from friends when they move home soon.

Rehoming our pets before we came here was distressing and I really don't want pets. I don't want the hassle or the heartache. We came here for fun, and we go away a lot. We would be relying on neighbours too frequently for my liking.

Also, this turtle currently lives in a very small tank with no heater, light etc. DH seems to think that's fine, but it isn't. Not in my book. I would only want to rehome it if we were to keep it in proper conditions - just because we're not in the UK doesn't mean we lower our standards on animal welfare.

But he's told them now we'll have it.

WWYD?

Plus there are wild turtles everywhere her. Would it be OK to just release it, or would that be guaranteeing death? Is small and indigenous, not a sea turtle, I believe same species as we have in lake near home.

Not important then I guess?

Don't release it, it won't work. Just in case you don't know, turtles smell worse than the worst smell you can think of, they are a huge amount of work and they are not fond of fiddling children. I fostered one a few years ago and I was so so happy to find him a good home, was more hassle than having a monkey.

So this is a pet you don't want because a) it's a big responsibility b) it's not being kept in a humane/reasonable way c) you'll need to rehome it eventually d) you've never actually wanted a turtle in your life?

Sounds like it's a lose-lose situation... get turtle, upgrade tank etc, work to look after it (with minimal enjoyment of animal) and then need to rehome it eventually.

Are there any up-sides to this? I'd be telling DH to tell friends ASAP that there is a change in plans and you can't have it... it's not actually your responsibility to rehome it (yet).

a)yep, b)yep, c)yep, d)yep

And yep, I agree. More hassle than a money I hadn't anticipated though!