Care for the Wild International

[Kirkie]

Hmmm... that sounds familiar Me Shell, I'm sure I've read it somewhere before.

Least you got a reply, I didn't.

I'm off to read that report.

[Bindi]

I got exactly the same reply today too

[Kirkie]

I've just found their response in my email. They do say to send them any other questions so I've just sent them this, kept my tongue firmly in my cheek for paragraph one

"Thankyou for your prompt response in regard to my email voicing concerns over Tesco's continued practise of selling (and decapitating) live turtles in it's stores in China. This exact email has been received by many associates today so it is good to see Tesco are taking this issue seriously by providing a timely and well thought out response to its customers concerns.

In reference to statement made Sir Terry Leahy, the chief executive, at this years Tesco's AGM in which he stated that "if any scientific evidence emerged that the turtles were endangered then Tesco would act."

Could you please advise as to whether a report issued on November 11th by Care of the Wild titled "The State of Wildlife Trade in China in 2007" will be considered evidence that the continuation of the practise of selling turtles in store is contributiong to the decline of the species involved?

The report specifies "The majority of illegal wild animal trade was in freshwater turtles and snakes. In China , freshwater turtles and snakes are sold mostly for their meat and for medicinal purposes."

The full report can be found at www.traffic.org/home/2008/11/11/state-of-wildlife-trade-in-china-finds-consumption-is-rising.html


Thankyou for your attention."

[Geomyda]

This report, is actually published by Traffic.org, not Care for the Wild, but I am sure that they will publish further reports shortly.
It will be interesting to see what additional response, if any your latest letter receives?
Regards
Paul

[Kirkie]

Doh, thats the problem with working 16 hours straight today, my brains in a mush. Doubt they'll notice my mistake. We''ll see.

[ME SHELL]

Well done Kirkie, let us know how you get on

[Kirkie]

Had another response from Tesco:



Thank you for contacting us again.

I am sorry that you remain unhappy with our decision to sell live turtles in our Chinese stores.

I would like to assure you that we have developed a public awareness campaign to help consumers understand animal welfare and to give advice on the best treatment of turtles, where consumers choose to take them home as live animals.

We have also identified one species of turtle which is popular with customers and can be killed in a more humane way. We no longer sell species of turtles where research shows that this more humane method cannot be achieved.

Please be reassured that, although we currently have no plans to stop selling live turtles, we are continually monitoring customer feedback about this issue.

I can also assure you that your own comments, along with any others that we may receive, will be taken on board.

Kind Regards


Helen Duke
Customer Service Executive

[EJ]

Do you see the point?... the consumer out
numbers your opinion.

I don't think you're going to change that. Rethink your position and determine a compromise... that might work.

Originally Posted by Kirkie

Had another response from Tesco:



Thank you for contacting us again.

I am sorry that you remain unhappy with our decision to sell live turtles in our Chinese stores.

I would like to assure you that we have developed a public awareness campaign to help consumers understand animal welfare and to give advice on the best treatment of turtles, where consumers choose to take them home as live animals.

We have also identified one species of turtle which is popular with customers and can be killed in a more humane way. We no longer sell species of turtles where research shows that this more humane method cannot be achieved.

Please be reassured that, although we currently have no plans to stop selling live turtles, we are continually monitoring customer feedback about this issue.

I can also assure you that your own comments, along with any others that we may receive, will be taken on board.

Kind Regards


Helen Duke
Customer Service Executive

[gtm]

Originally Posted by EJ

Do you see the point?... the consumer out
numbers your opinion.

I don't think you're going to change that. Rethink your position and determine a compromise... that might work.

I agree - I've said before this is a cultural issue rather than a 'Tesco' problem. I think other strategies are more likely to help the softshell turtles - ie supporting on the ground conservation organisations.

[Geomyda]

Originally Posted by EJ

Do you see the point?... the consumer out
numbers your opinion.

I don't think you're going to change that. Rethink your position and determine a compromise... that might work.

It was stated by Terry Leahy, the Tesco Chairman, at the 2008 AGM that they would review the situation after they looked at the scientific evidence, commissioned by themselves. Let me say, that having now seen this evidence, which is a document currently submitted for peer review, the case is far from clear.
First off, the presentation, which is voluminous in text, opens with a statement, a description of a farmed Softshell Turtle, then a photograph of the wrong species.
It then discusses the history and a bit of Chelonian Biology, claiming the Turtles have been on the Planet for 2.5 Billion years and that the earliest fossil evidence in China, is 6000 million years! Both of these statements, completly false!!
What came first, "the soup or the Turtle"?
Throughout the text there are inaccuracies, which include tables of species native to china, which differs one from the other. Some of the Latin nomenclature for the same species also varies through the document, and some very naive statements are made about the biology of the Chelonian group.
Clearly this document will be correctly reviewed by academics, and written response will be sent to Tesco for their perusal.
However, until this is done, the Jury remains OUT on this highly contentious trade.
You of course, are quite entitled too your own opinion, but I firmly believe that the case for the current practice of selling live Turtles for food by a UK owned Supermarket, in their Chinese subsidiary is flawed, and should be stopped.