One would definatley of thought so!
However, at this time their argument centres on two areas.
1. The Chinese consumer demands the sale of Live Turtles- Who are we to say that they cannot have them. If we believe this argument, is the case for the sale of live dogs for Human consumption not equally applicable?
Similarly, when one day, the mighty Super market enters the Indonisian market, and opens its doors in Borneo, or PNG/Irian Jaya, then we might expect Human flesh to be served up- Farmed and suitably "trussed up" of course?
2. The Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), is a farmed animal and no longer threatened as a Wild species. As you correctly say, despite the massive expansion in Turtle Farms in South Asia, the species is listed currently as vunerable in the Wild. This status is likely to be elevated at the next IUCN review.
Work by the eminent Chinese Turtle Biologist, Prof Shi Haitao, et al, has concluded that the Turtle farming practice is flawed and is responsible for "Farming Endangered Turtles to Extinction in China".
Both of these points are being actively debated, and in addition, two further areas are being questioned:
3. Animal welfare; Methodology, of Husbandry, transport and Slaughter?
4. Human Health; issues relating to use of Hormones, Antibiotics, Bacterial and Virus infections.
It would be heartening to think that through reasoned debate this issue might reach a mutually acceptable conclusion. However, I remain doubtful, unless continued public pressure can focus the potential adverse consequences for a business that counts up to twenty million UK customers in its business model!
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