Investigators from the Animal Protection Agency which is supported by International Animal Rescue have reported large-scale animal suffering at a reptile market at the Glades Leisure Centre, Kidderminster.
The event had been described by its organisers as an ‘exhibition’ and a ‘private meeting of hobbyists’ but according to APA was a full-scale commercial animal market operating in blatant violation of the law. Event organisers had insisted that no commercial sales would take place and that if any of the dealers were found to be selling animals they would be asked to leave. However, on the day, all of the dealers were allowed to continue with their brisk sales of wild animals.
Earlier in the week, Wyre Forest District Council disallowed all animal trading, under any circumstances, at the event. This was in line with the Pet Animals Act 1951, which outlaws pet markets. However the Council subsequently advised event organisers that if members of the public gave their details on the door and became temporary members of the reptile society trading could take place. This advice has no basis in law and the Animal Protection Agency will be pursuing the Council to fully justify its actions.
Said Animal Protection Agency spokesperson Elaine Toland: “It’s a scandal that Wyre Forest District Council chose to sanction this event even after acknowledging that established animal dealers had tried to pass themselves off as hobbyist animal keepers. As we predicted, these wild animals were packaged in plastic tubs like takeaway meals. If cats and dogs were mistreated like this there’d be public outcry.”
“Investigators posing as customers were offered animals that would require highly specialised care. In all cases, no checks were made as to whether the ‘customer’ had sufficient knowledge to care for the animals. In fact, given the poor husbandry and facilities at the show it seemed inconceivable that the traders themselves were in a position to offer reliable advice on animal care!”
Wyre Forest District Council made a public commitment to come down ‘exceptionally heavily’ on law breakers. It is therefore hoped that prosecutions will soon follow.
The Animal Protection Agency is an organisation focused on ending the trade in wild animals as pets with support from International Animal Rescue.
For more background information or for footage, please contact Elaine Toland on 01273 674253. Out of hours number is 07986 535024.