Turtles of dubious origin and an imperial crow in an animal shelter: inspections and reports are underway

The Carabinieri of the Camporotondo Etneo station, with the support of the Anti-Fraud and Health Unit of Catania and the staff of the Asp of Catania – Department of Prevention and Veterinary Urban Hygiene, carried out a series of checks aimed at combating environmental crimes and violations of health regulations. During the inspection of a pet boarding facility, management and structural irregularities were found, for which the health authority imposed specific requirements.

In particular, the owner of the facility, a 51-year-old local woman, was ordered to update the register of incoming and outgoing animals, as well as to enhance the number and quality of beds and resting places for companion animals and Pet Therapy activities. Subsequently, together with the Cites Unit of Catania, an additional targeted inspection was carried out. At the end of the checks, the owner was referred to the judicial authority, based on evidence that will be evaluated in court and “the presumption of innocence remains” until a possible final conviction. The woman is accused of possessing specimens of turtles without the necessary documentation to prove their legitimate origin, constituting the offense of possessing live specimens without the required certificates or licenses. She is also charged with possessing a specimen of an imperial raven (Corvus corax), a species belonging to protected wildlife.