Tortoise theft in Lodi, CA

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dmarcus

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So happy the owner had good camera's in the store, they will get caught because there pictures will be everywhere..
 

SILVERSTAR

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I SAW THIS ON THE NEWS THIS MORNING AND I WAS WONDERING IF ID SEE IT ON HERE,i saw a little clip of an interveiw wit the owner an he was jus worried that they didnt know how to properly care for it.
 

jensgotfaith

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Well, if they know what's good for them and actually have an inkling of care for the reptiles they stole, they will. One can only hope.
 

dmmj

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I don't mean to nit pick but does 600 seem a little high for those animals, maybe they said that to make the charges a felony, instead of a misdemeanor. Of course I think most of us who have turtles and tortoises as well as other reptiles are worried about this happening to us.
 

mctlong

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I agree, any kind of theft is wrong.

Its strange that they chose to steal species that are generally not expensive. I'm thinking either:

A.) They don't know much about reptiles and/or the monetary value of different species
or
B.) They're animal rights activists and are stealing the animals to release them.

Either way, bad news for the animals.
 

DesertGrandma

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Or they (or their kids) just wanted them and couldn't afford to buy them. If so they have no idea what it costs to take care of them.



mctlong said:
I agree, any kind of theft is wrong.

Its strange that they chose to steal species that are generally not expensive. I'm thinking either:

A.) They don't know much about reptiles and/or the monetary value of different species
or
B.) They're animal rights activists and are stealing the animals to release them.

Either way, bad news for the animals.



It is great that they had cameras and will catch the thieves.
 

Laura

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maybe they should lock the tanks/enclosures.. hope they get returned... but will probably be left on a doorstep...
 

tortoises101

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Laura said:
maybe they should lock the tanks/enclosures.. hope they get returned... but will probably be left on a doorstep...

Well, one can only hope that the animals get returned. I haven't heard a lot of cases of animals being returned to their original owners unless the theives are caught by police.
 

Stephanie

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dmmj said:
I don't mean to nit pick but does 600 seem a little high for those animals, maybe they said that to make the charges a felony, instead of a misdemeanor.

I wonder what type of lizard they lifted. Also, what was the other tortoise? I know the news clip said one Russian tort, easily $100 (maybe more if they were babies, but it didn't look like a baby...), but I'm with you in wondering where the other $500 came from. Either way, I'm glad the guy said $600 because that not only makes it a felony, it makes it a priority with the police department.

Laura said:
maybe they should lock the tanks/enclosures.. hope they get returned... but will probably be left on a doorstep...

My thoughts exactly on the enclosures and how they will be found.

I don't think these women are animal rights activists, either. I think they just couldn't afford his prices and wanted the animals/wanted easy cash for them.

I bet if they don't leave them on the doorstep, they'll try to sell them on Craigslist. I'm sure the owner is looking through all the ads (local and perhaps otherwise) for tortoises/lizards/etc.
These women are definitely not the brightest bulbs in the box. With a camera system like that? Shoot, I don't even live in that area, but if I went out there and saw them, I'd definitely be able to spot them.

I also like how the owner mentioned he's worried they do not know how to properly care for them. He seems like a nice guy (if only for the cameras).
 

Fernando

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DesertGrandma said:
Or they (or their kids) just wanted them and couldn't afford to buy them. If so they have no idea what it costs to take care of them.



mctlong said:
I agree, any kind of theft is wrong.

Its strange that they chose to steal species that are generally not expensive. I'm thinking either:

A.) They don't know much about reptiles and/or the monetary value of different species
or
B.) They're animal rights activists and are stealing the animals to release them.

Either way, bad news for the animals.



It is great that they had cameras and will catch the thieves.




I'm glad they/their kids didn't want a car! :p
 

moochie

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When I bought my first sulcata here in Phoenix, the breeder and I met in a place away from his home as a "matter of security." I thought this odd at the time and felt the exchange in the parking lot was like a drug deal but now I understand a little better. These torts represent a big investment for breeders and there's unfortunately always someone around willing to rip you off!
 

Watermelon

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The local reptile store near me the vivariums are all locked.... its a rubbish reptile store anyway... dont know how to look after their tortoises.....

Hope these thieves are caught, at least they were caught on camara.
 

River14

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Moochie that sounds horribly suspicious. The seller should have a secluded reception area and proper security.

Far as I can see that tortoise looked too small and young to steal or be sold. What are the state laws on size and age?
 

jbean7916

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"never had the intent to steal"????? What other intent is there when you are putting LIVE ANIMALS in your purse????
 
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