Bury Farm Equestrian Centre, located in Mill Rd, Slapton, Buckinghamshire, was set to host a large-scale reptile market on April 28, 2024. However, last week, the Animal Protection Agency was informed by the venue that the event would no longer be taking place on their premises. Despite this, the International Herpetological Society (I.H.S.), the event’s organizers, are still advertising and selling table space for the event this week. This has raised concerns among animal welfare groups, who are working with local councils and venues to eradicate reptile and amphibian markets in the UK.
The ban on trading pet animals over market stalls was implemented in 1983 due to concerns over animal welfare. The Animal Protection Agency, World Animal Protection, and Freedom for Animals have been working diligently to put an end to reptile and amphibian markets in the UK. Evidence gathered at previous I.H.S. reptile markets has shown systematic illegal animal selling and widespread animal suffering. These markets typically offer thousands of animals for sale, including lizards, snakes, tortoises, and frogs, who are often displayed in small, plastic takeaway containers with little regard for their basic welfare needs.
Animal groups suspect that the I.H.S. may now be searching for a new venue to host their event. They are warning managers of large venues in the area not to accommodate this event. These markets are often described as “shows” or “breeders’ meetings,” but in reality, they are commercially-driven markets. Buckinghamshire Council has been praised for taking swift action and ensuring that Bury Farm Equestrian Centre was fully informed and able to make the responsible decision to not host the event.
Director of the Animal Protection Agency, Elaine Toland, stated, “The I.H.S. is well known for misleading venue managers about the true nature of their events, and now they seem to be deceiving their own members. It is concerning that they are still promoting the April event on their Facebook page. We are grateful to Buckinghamshire Council for their prompt action, and we are pleased that Bury Farm Equestrian Centre has refused to host this shameful event.”
Dr. Charlotte Regan, Wildlife Campaign Manager of World Animal Protection, also commented on the news, saying, “We welcome the decision to cancel the reptile market at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre. Reptiles and amphibians are sentient animals with complex welfare needs and should not be treated as commodities by the pet trade. Other venues and local authorities in the UK should be cautious about hosting these markets, which are outdated events that have no place in our society.”
Laura Walton, Campaigns Manager for Freedom for Animals, added, “The suffering inflicted on exotic animals by transporting and displaying them in tiny plastic tubs, often without proper temperature and humidity controls, food, or water, is disgraceful. This is the reason why the trading of these animals at markets was banned. We commend Buckinghamshire Council for their proactive response and applaud Bury Farm Equestrian Centre for refusing to host the I.H.S.’s April event. These profit-driven markets must be stopped.”
This is not the first time the I.H.S. has been turned away from a venue. Last year, they were denied access to the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, where they had previously advertised an event for September 3, 2023. Evidence gathered from a previous I.H.S. reptile market held at the Marshall Arena on June 18, 2023, showed widespread illegal trading.
For more information, please contact Elaine Toland at 01273 674253 or out of hours at 07986 535024. Images are available upon request.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.