Reptile Market Forces Equestrian Center to Relinquish Control

Bury Farm Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire was set to host a large-scale reptile market on April 28th, 2024. However, the Animal Protection Agency was informed last week that the event would no longer take place on the premises. Despite this, the International Herpetological Society (I.H.S.), the event’s organizer, is still advertising and selling table space for the market.

The announcement of the cancellation was also confirmed by Buckinghamshire Council, who were informed that the reptile market was no longer on the Equestrian Centre’s calendar.

According to the Animal Protection Agency, World Animal Protection, and Freedom for Animals, trading in pet animals over market stalls was outlawed in 1983 due to inherent animal welfare problems. These organizations are now working with local councils and venues to eradicate reptile and amphibian markets in the UK. Evidence gathered at numerous I.H.S. reptile markets has shown systematic illegal animal selling and widespread animal suffering. These markets typically offer thousands of animals for sale, including lizards, snakes, tortoises, and frogs, often displaying them in small, plastic takeaway containers with little regard for their welfare needs.

It is suspected that the I.H.S. may now be seeking a new venue for the market, and animal groups are warning managers of large venues in the area not to accommodate this event. Reptile market organizers often mislabel their events as “shows” or “breeders’ meetings” when, in fact, they are commercially-driven markets. Buckinghamshire Council has been praised for ensuring that Bury Farm Equestrian Centre was fully informed and able to make the responsible decision not to host the event.

Elaine Toland, Director of the Animal Protection Agency, stated, “The I.H.S. is well known for misleading venue managers about the true nature of their events, and now they seem to be misleading their own members. It is concerning that they are still promoting their April event on their Facebook page. We are immensely grateful to Buckinghamshire Council for taking prompt action, and we are pleased that Bury Farm Equestrian Centre has refused to host this shameful event.”

Dr. Charlotte Regan, Wildlife Campaign Manager for World Animal Protection, commented, “We welcome the news that the planned reptile market at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre will no longer take place. Reptiles and amphibians are sentient animals with complex welfare needs and should not be treated as commodities by the pet trade. Other venues and local authorities across the UK should be cautious about hosting these markets, which are outdated and have no place in our society.”

Laura Walton, Campaigns Manager for Freedom for Animals, added, “The suffering caused to exotic animals by transporting and displaying them in tiny plastic tubs, often without proper temperature and humidity controls, food, or water, is a disgrace. This is the reason why the trading of these animals at markets was banned. We commend Buckinghamshire Council’s proactive response and welcome the news that Bury Farm Equestrian Centre has refused to host the I.H.S.’s April event. These profit-driven markets must come to an end.”

This is not the first time the I.H.S. has been turned away from a venue. Last year, the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes refused to host their event that was previously advertised for September 3rd, 2023. Evidence collected from an I.H.S. reptile market held at the Marshall Arena on June 18th, 2023, showed widespread illegal trading.

For more information, please contact Elaine Toland at 01273 674253 or 07986 535024 (after hours). Images are available upon request.

Distributed by Pressat (https://pressat.co.uk/)