Tewkesbury Council Praised for Taking Action to Cancel Reptile Market
Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Licensing Team has been commended for their swift and decisive action in preventing the organization of a reptile and amphibian market at Churchdown Community Centre in Gloucester on August 3rd, 2024. The Licensing Officers were presented with evidence indicating potential illegal animal trading at the planned event and promptly alerted the Community Centre, who made the responsible decision to cancel.
It has become common for organizers of reptile and amphibian markets to seek out new venues at short notice, prompting animal welfare groups to issue warnings to venues in the South West region against hosting such events. Particularly in Gloucestershire and surrounding areas, venues are being cautioned as these markets are often misrepresented as “breeders meetings,” “shows,” or “exhibitions.” It is only upon the occurrence of the events that venues and local councils realize they are actually commercial exotic animal markets.
Trading in pet animals over market stalls has been prohibited since 1983 through an amendment to the Pet Animals Act 1951, in order to prevent the suffering of animals caused by being sold in temporary and makeshift environments.
At reptile and amphibian markets, animals are subjected to deplorable conditions. They are displayed and sold in small, plastic takeaway tubs, restricted from moving or stretching, deprived of food, water, and hiding spaces, and subjected to inappropriate lighting, temperature, and humidity. Scientific research has shown that behavioral signs of stress and suffering are common in reptiles at these events.
Elaine Toland, Director of the Animal Protection Agency, expresses gratitude to Tewkesbury Council and the Churchdown Community Centre for their efforts in preventing this market. She urges any venue owners approached by the “South West Reptile Club” to host this event to contact the agency, hoping to spare wild animals the distress of being traded under such inhumane conditions.
Dr. Charlotte Regan, Wildlife Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection, also welcomes the news of the cancellation, stating that reptiles and amphibians are sentient creatures with complex welfare needs and should not be exploited by the pet trade. She warns other venues and local authorities across the UK to be wary of hosting these markets, as they are outdated events that have no place in society.
Likewise, Laura Walton, Campaigns Manager at Freedom for Animals, applauds the Churchdown Community Centre for making the right decision to cancel the market, with support from Tewkesbury Council. She calls on other venues to follow suit and turn away these events, preventing animal suffering and upholding the law.
Aside from the welfare concerns, reptiles and amphibians carry Salmonella bacteria, which can cause disease in humans, especially in vulnerable groups like children. The organizers of the cancelled event had targeted their advertising towards families with small children, offering activities such as face-painting and coloring. This poses not only a risk to attendees but also to subsequent venue users as the environment can become contaminated.
Anyone who is approached to host the South West Reptile Club event is urged to contact the Animal Protection Agency at info@apa.org.uk.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.