The State of Georgia has a curious way of protecting animals. In 2005, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources raided the home of amateur herpetologist Steve Santhuff and seized 500 turtles. Santhuff was ultimately able to prove that he was not guilty of criminal charges when a jury acquitted him of all charges. He then learned that the state had killed as many as 362 of the turtles during the interim.
The state admits that 309 turtles died. Santhuff said that the survivors were “scarred and pitted” and in terrible shape when they were returned. Some turtles have still not be returned.
Santhuff is now suing for more than $1 million in damages. Georgia may learn why you want spell tortoise without “tort.”
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