Shame on Snapperfest

Just because the snapping turtle is sort of the ugly duckling of the species doesn't make it ok to swing them around your head like a rubber chicken to stretch out it's neck.  Many of you probably agree with me and are wondering why I would even bother to bring up such an obvious fact.  Swinging any animal like a lasso would be considered cruel, right?  Well, that is what I thought, but apparently not everyone agrees.  Snapperfest 2011 will be held today, August 20, 2011 in Ohio County, Indiana despite an attempt by PETA to put a stop to it.  The Snapperfest supporters claim they aren't doing anything wrong because they've caught the animals with their bare hands and they "don't kill them".  Whether or not that second part is true is definitely up for debate.  Some sources say that many of the turtles die not long after the event from stress related injuries.  As much as it pains me to say it, I hope they at least use those turtles for the local delicacies they treasure at it's expense.  I would prefer you don't play with your food before you eat it...  no, scratch that.  I'd prefer you don't eat turtles at all.  However, if you must, please try to get all your turtle traumatizing pleasure out of the least number of animals, ok?  You'll be glad you did when your karma comes to get you.

Red Eared Slider Turtle

THIS MOMENT – A Friday ritual.

Photos – no words – capturing moments from the week.

Simple, special, extraordinary moments.

Moments you want to pause, savour and remember.

“This Moment” was introduced to me by Sarah-Jane of Almost There and Alejandro of Raising Amelie

Image © Rachel Hoyt.  All rights reserved.

You Tube Tuesday - Crazy Turtle Drummer

Josh from "Its Tiger Time" invented You Tube Tuesday so we could each share one video a week which we found to be fun, inspiring or otherwise noteworthy.  If you choose to participate, don't forget to leave your links in my comments section (so I can come visit you) and on Josh's page (so you can be part of the contest).   I hope you like the wacky turtle video selection I chose for you this week!

My First Friday Moment

THIS MOMENT – A Friday ritual (though my first time participating).

Photos – no words – capturing moments from the week.

Simple, special, extraordinary moments.

Moments you want to pause, savour and remember.

“This Moment” was introduced to me by Sarah-Jane of Almost There and Alejandro of Raising Amelie

.Photo © Rachel Hoyt.  2011 All rights reserved.

Troubled Turtles in Queensland

I wish I had happier news, but it seems that sea turtles are washing up in high numbers in Queensland. My heart goes out to them.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

A Turtle Dance for You Tube Tuesday

  

 Happy You Tube Tuesday everyone! 

  Please leave Pokey and I your links so we know where to see your videos.

Sea Turtle Inc. is Expanding

Image by think4photop via freedigitalphotos.net

Is it just me or do you feel like you never hear about certain causes until they are expanding?  I had never heard of Sea Turtle Inc. before today, but they just bought another acre of land where they plan to build two to three thousand more viewing tanks, an amphitheatre and more.  They rescue, care for and return sea turtles to the wild in addition to offering a permanent residence to those that cannot be rehabilitated.  A capitol campaign to finance the expansion will begin September 3rd.  Please click here to learn how you can contribute to this amazing operation.