Doncaster City Council issued a formal caution to a snake dealer last week for illegally trading animals at a reptile market held at Doncaster Racecourse on 19 September 2021. Paul Milner of Urban Constrictors, based in York, was one of several reptile sellers identified by the Animal Protection Agency for a coordinated investigation.
World Animal Protection captured Paul Milner in the act of offering snakes for sale at the event, which has now moved to Rotherham where campaigners claim more illegal selling has recently taken place.
Under the Pet Animals Act 1951 it is an offence to ‘carry on a business’ of selling pet animals over market stalls. However, sellers at reptile markets pose as private individuals selling a few of their own surplus pets, claiming they are not carrying on a business.
Animal protection campaigners are calling on the national government to do more to prevent reptile markets, at which they say criminal activity is rife. The Animal Protection Agency have secured evidence of widespread law-breaking at a large reptile market that took place at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham on 17 September 2023.
Doncaster Cllr Dave Shaw said he was grateful to the legal team at Doncaster City Council for pursuing the case and securing an outcome. He added that the government needs to give local council inspectors better tools to prevent illegal animal selling.
Elaine Toland of the Animal Protection Agency commented: “To any right-minded person, trading sensitive wild animals in tiny plastic tubs is deplorable at the best of times. This case sends a message that anyone trading reptiles at these markets does so at risk of prosecution.”
Peter Kemple-Hardy of World Animal Protection said they were pleased that Doncaster City Council examined their evidence, and concluded that the law had been broken. He noted that illegal selling of animals at reptile markets is widespread, blatant and unchecked, and animals are suffering in their thousands.
Campaigners are also concerned that Paul Milner of Urban Constrictors, who has admitted to trading animals unlawfully, is now offering business help and advice, via paid subscriptions.
Last week, Doncaster City Council issued a formal caution to Paul Milner of Urban Constrictors for illegally trading animals at a reptile market. Footage taken by World Animal Protection captured Milner in the act of offering snakes for sale at the event.
Elaine Toland of the Animal Protection Agency said: “This case sends a message that anyone trading reptiles at these markets does so at risk of prosecution. We need more local councils to take legal action against such sellers, and venues to refuse to accommodate the events.”
Peter Kemple-Hardy of World Animal Protection added that illegal selling of animals at reptile markets is widespread, blatant and unchecked, and animals are suffering in their thousands. He noted that without commercial sales of animals, these events would not exist.
Campaigners are also concerned that Paul Milner is now offering business help and advice to snake breeders, despite breaching animal welfare legislation. Doncaster Cllr Dave Shaw said the government needs to give local council inspectors better tools to prevent this type of illegal animal selling.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.