05 June 2000

Focus DIY Attacked by Animal Aid

The pressure group Animal Aid launched a campaign at the weekend to highlight the health risks of keeping reptiles in captivity, targeting Petworld - (located in Focus Do It All stores) - the last pet chain to sell reptiles. Demonstrations took place across the country on June 2 and 3 outside dozens of the company's branches. Over 60 contain in-store Petworlds. The Department of Health recently re-issued a health warning, following the second infant death so far this year from contact with a salmonella-infected reptile. The health warning stated that children under five, pregnant women and the elderly should avoid all contact with reptiles. Animal Aid have attacked Focus Do It All's complacency on this issue. The pressure group claim that Focus Do It All's profit-driven activities and their attempt to create a 'family-atmosphere' are jeopardising public health as well as animal welfare. According to a recent report, by Clifford Warwick (see our article 'Storm Brewing over UK Reptile Fayres'): 'Captivity places tremendous stress on reptiles, and changes their natural microbiology in a way that increases illnesses in the animals... Because captive reptiles are prolific carriers of salmonella and other micro-organisms, they can be a major cause of disease in humans.' Nine out of ten captive reptiles are infected with salmonella. Therefore it is a strong possibility that a Focus Do It All member of staff, after cleaning out the reptile tanks, could transport the salmonella bacteria - lodged in his clothes, shoes or hair - around the store, shedding infectious material onto products as he goes. This bacteria can survive for up to three months on a surface, which means that an unsuspecting member of the public could then purchase a product and carry the health hazard straight into his or her home. Such a risk, according to Clifford Warwick, is not theoretical but very real. Andrew Tyler from Animal Aid said: 'Reptiles in the wild are essentially hardy creatures and present no risk to people but in captivity their own health rapidly declines and they can easily pass on disease to humans. It's time that Focus Do It All got out of this obscene, cruel and dangerous trade.' Traders should be aware (at least) of the health risks to the public. They should post notices warning customers and demonstrate their awareness of the risks to public health. They must ensure staff comply with hygiene procedures and they should supply antisceptic wipes to their customers. In a follow up to the 'Storm Brewing.. ' debate, Kerry-Anne Aitken of the Reptillian Magazine forum posted a response from the Home Office about the legality of Reptile Fayres saying: 'Local authorities are responsible for licensing pet shops under the Pet Animals Act 1951. Before granting a licence the authority must satisfy itself that the animals are kept in accommodation that is suitable and clean, that they are supplied with appropriate food and drink, and are protected from disease and fire. The local authority may inspect the licensed premises at all reasonable times and may refuse a licence if the conditions at the premises are unsatisfactory or if the terms of the licence are not being complied with. There are other powers under the 1951 Act which a local authority can use in respect of licensed premises, such as powers of entry, which are not available in respect of unlicensed premises. It is up to local authorities to enforce the Pet Animals Act 1951 and to decide how to respond to the question of pet fairs. In particular, local authorities will need to look at the welfare standards at each individual event. The Home Office cannot offer definitive advice about how these events should be handled as ultimately it will be for the courts to decide, should a case ever come before them.' She went on: 'They do not say that reptile shows are illegal because they are not considered seperately from other animal shows coming under the simple heading of 'Pet Shows'. If these shows were in anyway illegal it would include Crufts and other big animal shows. It may be useful for anyone trying to stage a reptile show to get a copy of this act so they can ensure their event is within the spirit of the law.'