Gloucester’s Dowty Sports & Social Club has come under scrutiny for its decision to host another reptile and amphibian market on December 8, 2024. This is not the first time the club has faced criticism for such an event, as a similar market took place last December, which was met with allegations of illegal animal selling by animal protection groups.
The South West Reptile Club (SWRC) had planned to hold a reptile market at the venue in August of this year, but the Social Club refused to allow it. This makes the decision to host another market all the more surprising for animal welfare campaigners.
Reptile and amphibian markets are notorious for the suffering they cause to sensitive and vulnerable wild animals. These animals, including lizards, snakes, and frogs, are confined in small, plastic containers and treated as objects rather than living creatures. The welfare needs of these animals are often ignored, as they are routinely denied food, water, shelter, and even the ability to move around.
The trade of pet animals at market stalls is illegal due to the inevitable animal suffering caused by the temporary and makeshift nature of these events. However, many stallholders claim to be non-commercial hobbyists selling their own surplus pets, when in reality they may be running lucrative online businesses and selling animals worth thousands of pounds each.
Elaine Toland, Director of the Animal Protection Agency, comments on the Social Club’s decision, stating, “At best, the Social Club is gullible in the extreme to believe that this is simply a gathering of enthusiasts and not a wildlife market. By hosting this event, they are not only facilitating animal suffering, but also putting the health of their venue users at risk.”
Dr Charlotte Regan, Wildlife Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection, adds, “Reptiles and amphibians are sentient animals, capable of experiencing a range of emotions and feelings. It is unacceptable to compromise their welfare for the sake of buying and selling them like products over market stalls. We call on the Dowty Sports & Social Club to stop supporting these outdated and controversial events.”
Laura Walton, Campaigns Manager at Freedom for Animals, also condemns the club’s decision, stating, “Reptile and amphibian markets treat sensitive and vulnerable animals as commodities and deny them even the most basic necessities. The Dowty Sports & Social Club should be ashamed for agreeing to host another one of these exploitative events, as they cause immense suffering and have no place in our society.”
Aside from the animal welfare concerns, reptile and amphibian markets also pose significant public health risks, particularly from Salmonella bacteria. Even after a market has taken place, a venue can remain contaminated, putting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly at risk.
The Animal Protection Agency, World Animal Protection, and Freedom for Animals are working together to put an end to the inhumane trading of wild animals at markets.