Tortoise Races for Fun & Money - Ethical Implications behind the Case

Georgia has delved into politics so much of late that a number of pivotal social issues have unfortunately been side-lined, giving particular individuals the chance to use this situation for their financial gain. Animal rights is one such issue, as the level of animal cruelty is still relatively high countrywide despite recent legislative changes to counter it, perhaps indicating not for the first time that education is key to real change.

Adjarabet, one of the largest online gambling companies based in Georgia, this week presented a bizarre initiative for the entertainment of loyal clientele and gambling enthusiasts – live video betting on tortoise races. The initiative, contributing to the removal of animals from their natural habitats and using them for fun and financial gain, has become a matter of strong debate and anger in public, resulting in the organization of a protest rally at the Headquarters of the Adjarabet Company and the involvement of government agencies to stop it.

GEORGIA TODAY contacted Teimuraz Tsikoridze, Chairman of Georgian Society for the Protection and Safety of Animals (GSPSA), to find out more about the case and latest developments.

Tsikoridze briefly informed us about the two species of tortoise found in the Georgian wild, noting that their low number is alarming.

“Tortoise is a wild animal, present in a low number on the territory of Georgia. Removing them from their natural habitat and alienating them from their natural lifestyle is illegal and morally inappropriate,” the GSPSA Chairman told us, adding that even though there is a law against the violation of animal rights, it is yet to function properly. Tsikoridze said that in accordance with Georgian legislation, if an animal is found in captivity or semi-captivity, the relevant state departments, the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia in particular, should be informed immediately so they can take measures.

We asked Tsikoridze to share his opinion on Adjarabet’s initiative to launch live betting on tortoise races. He told us that a second round of races was planned to start at 2PM Friday, following on from the first “race” on Wednesday, which captured the interest (and amusement) of almost 1000 viewers in its under 10-minute airtime. A number of animal rights activists planned to go to the Adjarabet headquarters to protest the live streaming and to talk to management there. Said activists were told the tortoises had been rented from a particular individual and the race pre-recorded.

According to the Chairman of the GSPSA, the Ministry of Environment Protection was informed during the streaming of the first race, resulting in a fast reaction from the government service. The man renting out tortoises was detained and Adjarabet was deprived the right to hold such “races.”

Tsikoridze noted that an investigation has been launched and the offender is to be fined in accordance with the Administrative Code of Georgia, adding that the GSPSA will appeal for public information and proof of the applied measures on Monday, as well as for information regarding the current whereabouts and safety of the four tortoises used in the filming.

Tsikoridze expressed his discontent at the low public-awareness of the importance of protecting animals and respecting their rights, and noted that it is certainly unfair and inappropriate for any company or individual to utilize animals for entertainment or financial gain, as it is wrong and inappropriate for civil society to support it.

By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya