The South West Reptile Club (SWRC) market, which was recently barred from the Churchdown Community Centre in Gloucester, has found a new location for its event. The Dowty Sports & Social Club, located at Down Hatherley Ln, Gloucester GL2 9QH, has agreed to host the market on August 10th, 2024. This decision has sparked surprise and concern among animal groups, especially considering the recent history of the market.
The Churchdown Community Centre, after receiving advice from Tewkesbury Council that the event may involve illegal animal selling, made the responsible decision to cancel the market. Trading of pet animals at market stalls has been banned since 1983 due to the inability to maintain minimal animal welfare standards in temporary, makeshift conditions. In these markets, exotic animals are often kept in small, plastic containers without access to food, water, or proper temperature and lighting controls, leading to inevitable suffering.
Despite the cancellation of the market at the Churchdown Community Centre, the Dowty Sports & Social Club has previously hosted a similar event in December of last year. Animal groups claim that the event involved illegal animal selling, as evidenced by their gathered information. The venue’s Facebook page even features images of reptiles in small containers, with last year’s event being described as “something a little different!”
The Animal Protection Agency (APA) has reached out to dozens of venues in the area to warn them of the possibility of reptile market organisers seeking a new location. The General Manager at the Dowty Sports & Social initially responded to APA’s email, claiming they had not been approached to host the event. However, APA has received a tip-off that the venue is, in fact, planning to host another reptile market.
Elaine Toland, Director of the Animal Protection Agency, expresses concern over the potential mistreatment of animals at this event and the public outcry that may follow. She questions why any venue would want to be associated with such activities and warns of the possibility of animal sellers being prosecuted. This could lead to a significant reputational fallout for the Dowty Sports & Social.
Laura Walton, Campaigns Manager for Freedom for Animals, also condemns the venue’s decision, citing the stress and exploitation of animals as the reasons trading pet animals at markets was banned. She urges the Dowty Sports & Social to follow the example of other venues and distance themselves from this type of event.
Apart from animal welfare concerns, reptile markets also pose a significant public health risk. There is a high potential for germs to transfer from animals to people, and the post-event contamination of venues is a real concern. Salmonella infection from reptiles can have severe consequences, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
It is clear that the decision to host this event at the Dowty Sports & Social Club has raised alarm among animal groups and the public. The consequences of such a decision can have long-lasting effects on both animals and the venue’s reputation.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.