Engraving a Tortoises Shell?

[Blastoise]

I found this story about the Ploughshare Tortoise. Conservationists held an event called "tattoo the tortoise". I always thought engraving a tortoises shell would be really bad for the tortoise. I understand why they are doing it, but it just seems kind of wrong.

http://wrscomsg.wordpress.com/tag/ploughshare-tortoise/

 

[Abdulla6169]

Looks ok to me, I'd rather have living engraved torts than smuggled ones

 

[wellington]

I think in a desperate situation like this it's okay. Hoping it will work be a deterrent. Plus, if anyone ends up with one of these, maybe they will report the poaches and it will stop. Too many die from the sad situations poachers put them in before they get to where they are going.
To do this for fun, that I don't agree with. Also, as long as it doesn't affect the animal.

 

[Abdulla6169]

I think in a desperate situation like this it's okay. Hoping it will work be a deterrent. Plus, if anyone ends up with one of these, maybe they will report the poaches and it will stop. Too many die from the sad situations poachers put them in before they get to where they are going.
To do this for fun, that I don't agree with. Also, as long as it doesn't affect the animal.

Think this will work for the average outdoor tort? Put your number on him & if he's stolen/lost you can find him easily? What happens when the torts grow up?

 

[wellington]

I think if it doesn't hurt the tort in anyway and you live in an area that theft could be a good reality. However, if he is stolen, I doubt anyone would make the call. If the tort gets out and lost, that would work, but personally, I feel the extra mile should be taken so,there is no escape. I know things happen even though we have done our best so they won't get out, I just wouldn't want this to be a crutch.
I would think as they grow the numbers would either get bigger, but also in time may get too distorted. Would be interesting to find out.

 

[Camryn]

I don't see this being ok. Its shell is beautiful, and what if this leave the tortoise uncomfortable?

 

[Yvonne G]

I don't think it would be uncomfortable for long. It would be just as if you had engraved your fingernail. It might hurt for a while, but eventually the pain goes away. It's a real shame it has come to this. But if it works to protect the tortoises, good on them!

 

[Camryn]

I guess your right.. I just wouldn't want to put him in pain for any amount of time..