The Norbreck Castle Hotel, located near Blackpool seafront, has been warned by Blackpool Council that hosting a large-scale reptile and amphibian market on its premises on August 10th, 2025 would likely lead to unlawful animal trading.
Several venues across the country have already made the decision to not host reptile markets due to their association with illegal animal trading and animal suffering. The event organizer, the International Herpetological Society (I.H.S.), was previously turned down by a venue in Bradford on June 22nd, 2025 before securing the Norbreck Castle Hotel as an alternative location.
The proposed market would involve thousands of animals being offered for sale by dealers from all over the country. However, Blackpool Council has warned that the activities at this event would violate the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 and the Pet Animals Act 1951. It should be noted that trading pet animals over market stalls has been banned since 1983 due to concerns about animal welfare.
Reptile and amphibian markets are often associated with animal suffering. Sensitive and vulnerable wild animals, such as lizards, snakes, and frogs, are typically displayed and sold in small, plastic takeaway containers as if they were inanimate objects. Their specific welfare needs are often ignored, leaving them without food, water, shelter, and the ability to move freely.
“We commend Blackpool Council for taking a strong stance in protecting animals and upholding the law,” says Elaine Toland, Director of the Animal Protection Agency. “It is deeply concerning that this notorious reptile market has found a potential host in the Norbreck Castle Hotel. We strongly urge Britannia Hotels to cancel this event and refuse to be complicit in this sordid trade.”
Laura Walton, Campaigns Manager at Freedom for Animals, adds: “The practice of cramming thousands of sensitive wild animals into takeaway containers for sale is a gross violation of their welfare. The Norbreck Castle Hotel has a choice: to be a part of this cruelty or to reject it. We sincerely hope they choose the latter.”
Charlotte Regan, Wildlife Campaigns Manager at World Animal Protection, emphasizes that every single reptile and amphibian being sold at these markets is a sentient being with the ability to feel stress, fear, anxiety, and other complex emotions. “They are not products to be bought and sold at makeshift stalls. These types of events are outdated and have no place in modern society,” she says.
Blackpool Council has received praise for its proactive approach in cautioning the Norbreck Castle Hotel about the market. The Norbreck Castle Hotel and its parent company, Britannia Hotels Ltd, have faced controversy in the past. In October 2023, consumer group Which? declared Britannia Hotels to be the worst hotel chain in the United Kingdom for the 11th consecutive year.
The Animal Protection Agency, World Animal Protection, and Freedom for Animals are working together to put an end to the inhumane trading of wild animals at markets.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.