Just thought you guys might like to know what i am dealing with here in sunny Norway.
Reptiles are illegal here, so you need a Doctors "Note"(allergies to fur) to buy one! When you have got your permit, you must then apply to the government, who send you forms inquiring which type of reptile you want! Having done that you wait for your approval or indeed denial!! Then you bring, in my case approval to your local pet store and they order from Sweden, where it is legal to walk the streets with a Siberian Tiger, if he does not foul the foot path! ;) If you are still interested, i can give you the costs of buying a tortoise here in Norway. You will be shocked!!

Oh my this is such a crazy world we live in! Do you know the history of the tortoise when it is 'ordered' from Sweden? I just wondered if they are strickter with what they allow into the country: Is the reptile tested for worms and parasites before hand? OK I HAVE to ask, what do you have to pay for a tortoise and do they charge for all the doctors notes ect too? This is such an interesting e-mail, thanks for sharing.

Elaine

Hiya

There's a lovely pet shop in Stavanger that will order tortoises for you if you want one, but don't usually because of the legalities and they also vet your home. They have a super web site too. The lady in there gave me her business card but unfortunately I've lost it and with it the web site details.

Helen

ELAINE & HELEN; I have no idea where, when, what nothing! i have to wait for a phone call and then go to the pet shop! I have enquired at the pet shop as to when he/she might arrive, but they are as much in the dark as me! I asked for their web site but this is not possible! (middle men i guess) so i have to take a gamble! So the bottom line is, i dont know the conditions of the breeders place or how they are shipped or even if they are poor unfortunate imports! Maybe you guys could find out something!? All i know is this leopard is gonna cost me 5000 krona, circa 500 pound sterling! And guess what? a "T-Rex 100 wattUV bulb costs!? circa 140 pounds sterling!!!!!

Helen, i would love to know more about the pet shop in Stavanger! Maybe they are more clued in!?

HELEN & ELAINE; Would it be possible to order a tort from one of you guys?? I have the relevant import papers and a Top vet here has told me it is ok.

The pet shop is at the other side of the ship in this picture near the quay if that helps. I understood they didn't import tortoises though.

I am sorry, but I don't have any leopards for sale, but even if I did I couldn't supply you with any as that would involve shipping them out and I wouldn't want to do that.

Good luck with your search.

Helen

I don't keep Leopards, I use to and can recommend them for their gentle nature and out-standing beauty . But like Helen I would not ship a tortoise nor would I send one by courier and I also go and check the set ups BEFORE any of my babies go, then their is the visits for coffee and seeing how well they have all got on. I have been very lucky that the people that I have sold to have became friends and send me pictures ect. It is such a pity that this side of choosing yoour life time commitment has been taken out of your control. I'm sure you'll love this tortoise no matter what and I am looking forward to up dates on this, with pictures!

Reagards

Elaine 

Sorry meant to ask: do they give reasons as to why they don't want reptiles in the country? If so I would be very interested in the list. Can't you order the lights via the internet cheaper?

Elaine 

Hi Guys, There has been quite a few cases of Reptiles being released into the wild here in the last couple of decades, and Norway is very strict on preserving its natural wild life; that is unless you happen to be a wolf or bear, of which they like to shoot on sight for the terrible crime of taking the odd lamb!! Last summer was very long and hot and there have been two cases of large adult Terrapins swimming happily in lakes and even laying! The eggs were taken to Bergen Aquarium, and were found to be fertilized!! One RES Terrapin was even spotted and photographed swimming in the Bergen fjord! (SEA)So only time will tell if they were just released or are breeding. Another interesting thing is, if you pay a visit to the Bergen Aquarium you will see all kinds of reptiles including snakes, lizards and even crocodiles but not one Tortoise.
Will the bulbs work here? I think we have a different wattage than Britain!? Also the plugs are a two prong job so i think i will get them here (10inch clamp lamp is around 40 pounds!) crazy huh! I am looking at a thousand pounds for the complete set up and the baby leopard! ANY STUFF YOU DONT WANT SEND TO ME! Ha Ha! Maybe i could use Plug adaptors on the clamp lamps and thermostat, would that work? It would save me a lot of money.

In regard to your question on parasites and general health; In Sweden and Denmark it is legal to keep and breed torts so i just assume it will be captive bred and can only hope it will be well :(
There are many many people here who keep snakes and lizards and fair play to the vets, they treat the sick animals without reporting the owners to the relevant authorities cos the animals are taken and put down without ado! Its almost like the country has something against reptiles. Quite a strange set up but typically Norwegian.

There is a Norweigan Island in the south which is dedicated to tortoises and turtles and is a tourist spot in its own right. A man who came to do some work here recently told me he used to work in Norway and what a fascinating little Island it was. Of course I can't remember the name of it but will try and look at the map to see if it jogs my memory.

Helen

That's strange - I was talking to someone just this week about the regulations in Norway and the fact that it is illegal to sell reptiles in Norway. Can you please tell me when the regulations were brought in and what happened to the animals that were already captive in Norway, was it a requirement that licenses were applied for when the new regulations came into effect? What would happen to the offspring if a reptile bred in Norway?

All the Best
Darren

Hi Helen, i have never heard of this island! Sounds interesting though, i must look into it.
Darren; Not sure, 80S i think and all vets wre asked to report all reptile owners to the "Mattilsynete" who confiscated and killed the pets! Lots were released and other owners just kept away from vets! As i said, most vets now are not of the "Old School" and would rather cure the animal and say nothing instead of reporting it seeing a healthy animal put down. As for breeding, its possible to get all kinds of snakes and lizards if you know how to go about it! Same as anything i guess.

They destroyed healthy animals - I thought this was partly to do with conservation issues?

Darren

Hi Darren. Thats what they say, but what else can they do with them? Only one real zoo here and they cant take them all. So much pressure to relax the law but it seems Norway is destined to remain the only country in Europe, if not the world to ban all reptiles! Silly cos it does not work and the only ones to suffer are the Animals themselves!?

That's absolutely disgraceful