Established commercial traders posing as individuals selling a few surplus pets have been given the go-ahead by the Wyre Forest Council to trade in animals at an upcoming reptile market. Despite receiving praise from the Animal Protection Agency and International Animal Rescue earlier in the week for advising organisers that ‘under no circumstances can any trade or exchange of animals take place’ the Council has now advised organisers that they can trade. This will undoubtedly result in large-scale illegal activity.
The Council has advised event organisers that if members of the public become temporary members of the society on the door then animals can be legitimately bought and sold. This guidance has no basis in law. The Council will now find itself in the embarrassing position of assessing evidence for prosecution whilst at the same time, as the venue owner that authorised trading, being an accessory to those crimes.
Said Animal Protection Agency spokesperson Elaine Toland: “By effectively permitting large-scale trading the Council’s negligence on this matter means that its legal position and liabilities are now seriously compromised. There is ample evidence to show that stallholders at the event are not hobbyists and that they fully intend to break the law on Sunday. We are concerned about the sheer scale of animal suffering that will result from the Council’s decision to allow trading.”
Enforcement Officers will be present on the day to gather evidence of the countless infringements that are expected to take place. The Animal Protection Agency and International Animal Rescue will also be documenting the poor welfare standards that are typical of reptile markets.
The Animal Protection Agency is an organisation focused on ceasing the trade in wild animals as pets. They work closely with International Animal Rescue, which saves animals all over the world by intercepting the activities of wildlife dealers.
For more background information or images, please contact Elaine Toland on 01273 674253 (out of hours: 07986 535024).