Dowty Sports & Social Club Under Fire for Hosting Controversial Reptile and Amphibian Market
Gloucester, United Kingdom – The Dowty Sports & Social Club in Gloucester has come under intense scrutiny for its decision to host another reptile and amphibian market on December 8, 2024. This comes after the Social Club previously hosted a similar event last December, which animal welfare groups claim involved illegal animal selling. The event, organized by the South West Reptile Club (SWRC), was disallowed by the Social Club in August of this year, making the decision to host another market even more surprising.
According to animal rights activists, reptile and amphibian markets are notorious for causing animal suffering. These sensitive and vulnerable wild animals, including lizards, snakes, and frogs, are typically kept in tiny plastic containers and treated as mere objects. The animals are often denied food, water, shelter, and the ability to move around, with little consideration for their species-specific welfare needs.
The trade of pet animals from market stalls is prohibited by law due to the inevitable suffering caused by the makeshift and temporary nature of these markets. However, many market stallholders circumvent the law by claiming to be non-commercial hobbyists selling their own surplus pets, when in reality, they are operating lucrative, illicit online businesses. Some even sell snakes worth thousands of pounds each.
Elaine Toland, Director of the Animal Protection Agency, stated, “At best, the Social Club is gullible in the extreme to take at face value any claims that this is merely a gathering of enthusiasts and not a wildlife market. By going ahead with this event, the Club is not only facilitating animal suffering but is also putting the health of venue users at risk.”
Dr. Charlotte Regan, Wildlife Campaign Manager for World Animal Protection, added, “Reptiles and amphibians are sentient animals, capable of experiencing a range of emotions and feelings. It is not acceptable to compromise their welfare for the sake of buying and selling them like products over market stalls. We call on the Dowty Sports & Social Club to stop hosting these outdated and controversial events.”
The sentiment was echoed by Laura Walton, Campaigns Manager for Freedom for Animals, who stated, “Reptile and amphibian markets treat sensitive and vulnerable animals like mere commodities, denying them even basic necessities. The Dowty Sports and Social Club should be ashamed for agreeing to host another of these exploitative events. They cause immense suffering and should have no place in our society.”
Aside from the ethical concerns, reptile and amphibian markets also pose significant public health risks, particularly from Salmonella bacteria. Even after a market has taken place, a venue can remain contaminated, putting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly at risk.
The Animal Protection Agency, World Animal Protection, and Freedom for Animals are working together towards an end to the inhumane trading of wild animals at markets. It is hoped that the Dowty Sports & Social Club will reconsider their decision to host the reptile and amphibian market and instead prioritize the welfare of these sensitive and vulnerable creatures.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.