Austin Sports & Social Club Praised for Preventing Illegal Snake Market
On Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, the Austin Sports & Social Club in Longbridge, Birmingham, was commended by animal welfare campaigners for stopping a planned snake market from taking place on its premises on Saturday, October 12th, 2024. The Birmingham City Council was also praised for swiftly responding to intelligence and ensuring that the law was upheld. This comes in the wake of a rise in attempts to hold reptile markets, prompting animal welfare organizations to issue a warning to venues in Birmingham to be cautious and not to accept any bookings for reptile-related events.
According to scientific research, snakes require ample space to stretch for their wellbeing. However, at markets, they are often confined to small, plastic boxes. In addition to space, captive snakes also need specific environmental conditions, including temperature, lighting, and humidity, which are often neglected at markets.
Organizers of reptile markets often deceive unsuspecting venues by claiming that their events are “shows,” “breeders’ meetings,” or “exhibitions,” when in reality, they are commercial markets. After receiving information about the venue for a secretly organized event, the Animal Protection Agency alerted the Council and the Social Club, and both took prompt and commendable action.
Elaine Toland, Director of the Animal Protection Agency, stated, “Snakes are sentient and intelligent animals that do not deserve to be subject to the appalling maltreatment that is typical of reptile markets. The Council and the Social Club were given very little time to respond, but they pulled out all the stops to ensure illegal trading did not take place. Their actions are commendable.”
Dr. Andrew, Director of Freedom for Animals, added, “We would like to thank the Austin Sports & Social Club for taking prompt action to prevent this market from proceeding. It has been well documented that illegal trading takes place at these events, and we are pleased that Birmingham City Council and the Social Club acted on the information provided. We hope that all local authorities and potential venues take similar action in the future.”
Dr. Charlotte Regan, Wildlife Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection, also expressed gratitude to the Austin Sports & Social Club and Birmingham City Council for their decisive actions in protecting animal welfare. She stated, “Reptile markets are inherently associated with a number of highly concerning animal welfare issues. They are outdated events which should have no place in our society. We thank The Austin Sports & Social Club, and Birmingham City Council, for taking decisive action to protect animals.”
Aside from safeguarding animal welfare, the actions taken by the Austin Sports & Social Club and Birmingham City Council also protected human health. Reptile markets pose a significant health hazard due to reptile-related salmonellosis, especially in venues where food and drink are consumed. There is also a risk of post-event contamination, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children or the elderly who may use the venue afterwards.
The Austin Sports & Social Club and Birmingham City Council’s swift and commendable actions serve as a reminder to all venues and local authorities to be vigilant and to take prompt action to prevent illegal trading and protect both animal and human welfare.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.