In a move that will shock many of its UK customers, TESCO is selling
live frogs and turtles at its branches in China.

The suffering inflicted on these animals is so extreme that were it to
take place in the UK, TESCO directors would undoubtedly face criminal
charges. In addition to the most horrendous cruelty, the live turtle
and frog trade is acutely environmentally destructive, and is
contributing to the rapid extinction of a number of species. Presumably
TESCO believe that consumers will remain unaware of the shocking
activities they are financing and promoting abroad, while claiming to
"promote high standards of animal welfare" in literature issued to
customers in the UK. The Tortoise Trust is demanding that TESCO
immediately cease all involvement with this revolting trade, and is
calling upon the public to shop elsewhere and to avoid all TESCO
products and services until they do so.

Details of our campaign may be seen at:

http://www.tortoisetrust.org/activities/tesco.html

Tesco are not alone in abandoning all ethical standards on animal
welfare and conservation in the headlong rush to secure profits in
China. The US chain WALMART is engaged in almost identical activities,
and along with French chain CAREFOUR also offers live snakes (typically
killed by being skinned alive) and barbecued pigeons in its Chinese
stores.


Andy C. Highfield
www.tortoisetrust.org