A 50-year-old man in Adamantina, São Paulo, has been fined R$ 3,000 for illegally keeping tortoises in captivity. The incident occurred after the Military Environmental Police responded to a complaint regarding wildlife being kept without proper authorization. Upon investigation, they found that the man was housing six tortoises at his residence in Conjunto Habitacional Governador Mário Covas.

The authorities issued an Environmental Infraction Notice, citing the illegal captivity of the tortoises, which were subsequently seized. Fortunately, the animals were found to be in good health and were released back into their natural habitat. The reported infraction pertains to federal legislation designed to protect wildlife, specifically Article 29 of Federal Law No. 9,605/1998, which can lead to jail time and additional fines for similar offenses.

This case highlights ongoing issues with illegal wildlife captivity in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of wildlife protection laws. The incident also showcases the role of local law enforcement in addressing such violations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, thereby preserving the country's natural heritage and biodiversity.