Because pet turtles sold in Wisconsin were linked to a rare form of salmonella in two children, officials from the state Department of Health and Family Services recently launched a campaign to remove the turtles from the market.

Selling or distributing turtles smaller than 4 inches has been prohibited by the Food and Drug Administration since 1975 to prevent the spread of salmonella.

State health officials began receiving reports in July that small turtles were being sold or given away at retail stores, primarily gift stores in popular tourist destinations.

Most stores throughout the state voluntarily stopped distributing the turtles after receiving warnings from health officials.

However, at least one retailer isn't giving up without a fight, according to the Wisconsin Dells Events. The owner of a souvenir store that had been giving the turtles away agreed to stop the promotion, but is organizing a petition to protest the rules that prohibit the turtles' distribution because people can still obtain the turtles at other stores across the country and over the Internet. [November 2004 PET AGE]