Red-eared slider turtles released from the pet trade are established as invasive species in many European countries, creating both welfare and conservation challenges.
Individual turtles released from captivity face welfare challenges adapting to non-native climates. Control operations involving trapping and euthanasia raise welfare concerns for individual animals. Native freshwater turtles in southern Europe are displaced by competition with invasive sliders. Preventing future pet releases is more welfare-positive than managing established populations.