25 May 2000

Storm Brewing Over UK Reptile Fayres

A storm is brewing in the herptile (reptile and amphibian) world over a recent report published by the Captive Animals Protection Society (CAPS) which campaigns on behalf of animals in captivity. The report written by CAPS consultant biologist Clifford Warwick attacks Reptile Fayres as a 'malignancy on exotic animal life' and creates a damning caricature of the trade in exotic species which has riled members of the herptile world. In conclusion it encourages readers who know of Fayres going on in their area to write to their local authority, alert the RSPCA and contact the media. The report is available at: http://www.caps-uk.dircon.co.uk/zoos/repfayre.htm We were keen to get the views of herptile groups but many including well known sites such as UKReptiles.com were not aware of the report although it had been picked up by a number of general news agencies. Danny Stewart, in the Reptillian Magazine Forum said: "If people didn't care for reptiles they would not become a reptile breeder, all sides of this debate should join in agreement that animals are to be loved and respected and those who are cruel to them should be prosecuted". Dave Styles of The Ashford & District Exotic Animal Society, said in the UKPets E-Groups discussion group: "Were such reptile fairs closed, breeders would advertise their animals in local newspapers, or in the window of corner shops, and members of the general public would pick up such an animal on the spur of the moment". Whilst he admitted that exotic animals are often mistreated, he claims that this is usually: "..mistreatment through ignorance" and went on to say: "Rather than driving this trade underground, surely it makes sense to use these fairs as a forum to control the exotic pet trade - charge more of an entrance fee to put off the impulse buyers, insist on certain standards for the containment of the animals, arrange for educational stalls to be present as well as trade stalls". The general view from the herptile world in response to the CAPS report appears to be that a ban would serve little useful purpose and would not be to the betterment of captive exotic species. Whilst the report serves to highlight a problem within the industry it might have been better received and held more weight had it given at least some consideration to the views of those specialist enthusiasts that we contacted. It is about time interest groups of all colours began consulting with each other across boundaries. Attacks and counter attacks only serve to prolong the agony and create confusion for the general public.