I get what you are saying Bind, but this sort of thing probably goes on, more than what we think - as in torts being sold with no paperwork. The new owner, the buyer - doesnt know what he needs. He wont know that he needs specific paperwork. I will be honest, I didnt know what the form was, had no clue that it was so important. I just think that the owner, the pull of the sale and profit will be too strong. We have to consider that if his thoughts were with the tortoise, he would have already done the right thing and let TA rehome it or take it to a rescue. The owner refused, instead wanting to sale. So he wants these papers purely for this. I dont think for one minute that IF he was refused by Defra, that he would bat an eyelid. He would just sell without, and hope for no comeback. This sort of thing is bound to go on. We often chose not to believe it as it is just immorally wrong.
I feel so sad for this whole situation. And I truly truly hope that he DOESNT get the paperwork, and that he sees sense or has a heart somewhere, somehow.
TA, I would like to keep my offer to you - that if you need me to write or email Defra with you, for support, I would be only to happy to get involved. xxx