has anyone heard of unscrupulous vets who may tell an owner their tortoise is ill and advises euthanasia. they then do not put pet 'to sleep' but go on to sell said tortoise? bearing in mind tortoise is a good age (50yrs+) does anyone think this kind of thing goes on?

Hi, I cant say I have ever heard of this happening, but if a tort did need to be put to sleep the owner can stop with the tort and bring it home to bury.

I cannot think why a vet would want to do this, as a 50+ yr tortoise isnt worth anymore than any other tort, if a tort was worth more I would imagine its when its in its teens/twenties and if its a proven breeder?  But others may have other views?

Regards Vivienne

Hi,

I' ve not heard it with torts but I have heard it happen with dogs but the details are slightly different were as an owner has taken a dog in for euthanasia, signed all the appropriate forms for this (and paid the fee) and then the vets have rehomed the said dog. I'm not an expert in the legal side of this but I'm pretty sure that they are not allowed to do this. From what I understand, if an animal is signed over by the owner for euthanasia then that is what must be done.

I was in veterinary practice for more than 20 years.  I can honestly say that I have never come across this sort of thing happening - at least not for the money reasons that you are stating.

Yes, if someone asks for an animal to be euthanased, vets and vet staff might offer to try and rehome the animal if its life is worth saving.

I have in the past rehomed dogs and cats that would have otherwise have been put to sleep - the original owner has always been advised and given permission.

Vets have a lot more things on their minds than trying to sell 50 year old tortoises, although a member of staff might offer a home if it was unwanted.