Of all the things to come out of the farm bill.
I didn't even know this item was on the table.
Since 1975, the sale of turtles under 10.2cm in length (about 4 inches) has been illegal. This "4-inch law" was enacted, they've always said, to prevent children from contracting salmonella from their cute little pet turtles. We all know that children put everything in their mouths that will fit -- and some things that won't! So the government stepped in, as they are wont to do, to keep children safe from these few-inch-long shelled beasts.
It turns out there are many other good reasons, to the conscientious animal lover, why the 4-inch law should be in place. I personally believe that the pet market is and has been oversaturated with reptiles as long as I've been paying attention to it, as I personally have seen countless reptiles die in captivity due to improper care. Although as a rule I am against "government interference," any law limiting or tracking reptiles kept in captivity is usually a law I will support. I'm sorry, my wealth of reptile-keeping friends, I know you are competent to care for your animals, but most people are not. I have to support laws that protect animals from human stupidity, ignorance, and bad behavior.
But back to the farm bill. Due to my own ignorance, I had been concentrating on the subsidizing of high fructose corn syrup when the farm bill came up for debate last year, and did not even realize that the 4-inch law was on the bill and in danger of repeal.
It was repealed.
You may now purchase turtles of any size from turtle farmers right here in the U.S.
Not that any extra attention paid to this law would have made a difference. The whole corn subsidization issue receives more attention every year the farm bill is up for renewal, and no changes have yet come about with regard to that, either.
So run out and buy your tiny turtles while you can. The rumor mill says that this repeal may be reversed. Get 'em while they're small!
Please see the update on this issue for corrected information.