Woodbank Garden Centre & Nurseries in Bingley, licensed as a pet shop by Bradford City Council, has been warned that it could be in breach of its licence if it allows a large-scale reptile and amphibian market to take place on its premises on 22 June 2025. Despite the potential consequences, the Garden Centre has stated that it will still allow the event to take place.
Organised by the International Herpetological Society (I.H.S.), the market is notorious for promoting unlawful animal trading and causing harm to animals. The Council has cautioned that the event, which would involve the sale of thousands of reptiles, would violate the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 and the Pet Animals Act 1951.
According to the Garden Centre’s licence, they are only permitted to offer for sale a maximum of 6 tortoises, 12 guinea pigs, and 6 hamsters, as well as tropical and cold-water fish. Any sale of animals outside of these conditions would be considered a breach of the licence.
Reptile and amphibian markets are known for causing immense animal suffering. Wild animals, such as lizards, snakes, and frogs, are often kept in small plastic containers and treated as objects without consideration for their specific welfare needs. These animals are often deprived of food, water, and shelter, and are unable to move around.
Elaine Toland, Director of the Animal Protection Agency, states, “The sight of stressed and frightened animals in cramped and inadequate conditions is unacceptable. Woodbank Garden Centre should consider the potential damage to its reputation by allowing the I.H.S. to host this event and contribute to animal suffering.”
Laura Walton, Campaigns Manager for Freedom for Animals, adds, “These markets are hubs for cruelty and illegal wildlife trade. Allowing this event to go ahead shows a blatant disregard for animal welfare and sets a dangerous precedent.”
Charlotte Regan, Wildlife Campaigns Manager for World Animal Protection, emphasizes that reptiles and amphibians are sentient beings capable of feeling pain, fear, and stress. She states, “Treating these animals as mere commodities is unacceptable.”
Bradford City Council has been applauded for their efforts to caution the Garden Centre about the market. This is not the first time the Council has encountered an I.H.S. event. In 2003, the I.H.S. took the Council to court for refusing to issue a licence for an event at the Dudley Hill & Tong Social Club. The District Judge ruled that the proposed market could not be licensed, but the I.H.S. threatened to proceed with the event regardless.
The Animal Protection Agency, World Animal Protection, and Freedom for Animals are working together to end the inhumane trading of wild animals at markets.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.