BRENTWOOD WEEKLY NEWS (UK) 07 October 09 Dispute grows over reptile event

A leading exotic pet specialist has denied animals were harmed during a controversial reptile market.

Mark Amey, who works as a consultant for the RSPCA, and owns an exotic pet shop in Watford, said it is unlikely reptiles at the event, at Shenfield High School, on Sunday, September 27, were traumatised by being kept in small boxes.

His comments come after the Animal Protection Agency said it plans to prosecute the organiser, traders and the school.

It claims the event was illegal because the animals were traded on a commercial basis, and said they were mistreated by being kept in small containers.

Mr Amey added: “Reptiles are agrophobic. They are afraid of large spaces, so keeping them confined and only for a short period is better for them.

“I wasn’t at the event because I’m not allowed. It’s for enthusiasts, people who belong to reptile clubs, and they are proud to be there and show off what they’ve bred.

“There is always going to be a demand for these animals and hopefully these sorts of shows will put a stop to trading in wild animals, which we’ve all got to be in favour of.”

The Animal Protection Agency attended the event and said it collected enough evidence to mount a case against the organisers, the Essex Reptiles and Amphibians Club, and the school.

Elaine Toland, spokesman for the agency, said: “It will take us a while to go through the evidence. Once we’ve got it we will be sending it to the council and the RSPCA and take it from there.

“Our concern is always the welfare of the animals.

“They are very sensitive animals and we work with one of the leading reptilian behaviouralists who said confined spaces are very stressful for reptiles.”

Ms Toland also said they had evidence known reptile dealers were at the event.

She said: “This was not just a small local meeting, it was a commerical market.”

However, the club have said the meeting was purely for enthusiasts.

Shenfield High School has said it was advised there were no legal grounds for preventing the reptile event going ahead at the school.
Dispute grows over reptile event

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