Article I wrote Re: Reptile Shows

[TWGarland]

Below is an article i wrote for BEKS regarding Reptile and Amphibian shows in the UK. Its far from perfect but I thought i'd post it here as im looking for constructive criticism

Cheers,



Events and shows regarding exotic animals are currently growing in popularity within the UK. Already a huge success in the United States, enthusiasts here look to follow suit. With increasing popularity however, has come increasing scrutiny. We look to address some of the issues currently being raised by animal welfare groups such as the APA (Animal Protection Agency) and IAR (International Animal Rescue) in their mission to put an end to all shows and events of this type.
Recent reports in the media as a result of criticisms by the APA and IAR have resulted in headlines such as ‘Large Scale suffering at reptile market’ (IAR website, http://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/news/2009/aug09-11.shtml 2009). We feel this to be a miss-informed statement and sensationalist. Here we hope here to explain our reasoning behind this.

The Issues

Some have described Exotics shows as ‘A brisk trade in wild animals’ and we feel here an essential point is being missed. Virtually no hobbyists these days own wild caught animals (WC), and in fact captive bred (CB) individuals are already widespread within the industry. According to CITIES to qualify as a ‘captive-bred’ animal, certain very strict conditions must be fulfilled in their entirety:

• The animals must be born in a controlled environment.

The parental breeding stock must:

• Have been established in a manner not detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild
• Must be maintained without addition of animals from the wild.
• Must be managed in a manner that has been demonstrated to be capable of reliably producing second-generation offspring (F2) in a controlled environment.

For all but a few of the rarer species these standards are already well established. More popular species of exotic animals have already been bred from captive stock for generations, in some cases resulting in ‘morphs’ of animals showing colours and patterns never before seen in the wild, similar to breeds of domesticated cat and dog.
Another point raised with regards to suffering at shows refers to ‘tiny’ tubs used as housing being unsuitable, often with no food or water provided. Firstly it should be realized that in most cases these housing arrangements are only temporary for the duration of the event. ‘Tiny tubs’ to the uneducated eye may seem cruel, but it’s only when informed as to the nature of the animal, for example the secretive and naturally sedate snake (Royal Python - classic example) that these conditions seem kinder than the provision of larger enclosures.

Mitigation
It is clear that something needs to be done to satisfy the uneducated about these shows and we feel this may be done relatively simply by implementing some simple regulations. The provision of water for all animals at all times is one such point. Although some of the more popular species (Bearded Dragons and Uromastix for example) of lizard, as desert species, only need water very infrequently, it would put minds at rest before unfair conclusions may be drawn. Another point is in relation to the provision of adequate feed. It is important to realise that for snakes it is imperative that they should not be fed before or straight after being moved. This is to maintain high standards of welfare rather than the opposite.

Legality
A quote from the DEFRA website with regards to Pet Fairs:
“There is some confusion over the interpretation of existing law about the licensing of pet fairs. In addition, some people have concerns about welfare standards at these events.
Because of these two factors, the governments is proposing to modernise the law by prohibiting the sale of animals, where this is part of a business, to members of the public at pet fairs. Those events where there is either no selling of animals to members of the public; or where there is selling of animals but where it is not in the course of a business, such as hobbyists selling excess stock, will continue to take place without the requirement to be licensed”.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/act/petsales_fairs.htm

In Conclusion
Although recent reports from animal welfare organisations in our opinion are unfounded, we believe that with a few simple regulations the fears of some can be put to rest. It is in the interest of the exotics industry to address any issues raised, mitigate them and in some cases compromise, if the success of Exotic Animal Shows is to continue into the future.

[Pete Q]

I'm only just reading it, but right away, APA are animal rights and not welfare, this is important. Hope that helps, I'll carry on reading now.

[Pete Q]

It's a good job. The only thing I would want to add is that it's the reptile clubs that are the experts in this field.

Also, would we have water for the reptile or for the anti ? understanding that reptiles can go without water for the day with no worrys to their welfare.

Well done.

[TWGarland]

Originally Posted by Pete Q

I'm only just reading it, but right away, APA are animal rights and not welfare, this is important. Hope that helps, I'll carry on reading now.

Thanks very much, i'll make the changes needed. Any further input you have i'd be glad to hear it. I'm just trying to help in anyway i can really.

Thanks

[Pete Q]

Glad you made the point about tubs.

[Pete Q]

Don't worry about the water point, I've re'read it and I think you've explained well.

[neep_neep]

Well done on putting the effort into writing an article

There are just a couple of points i'll comment on:

Originally Posted by TWGarland

Virtually no hobbyists these days own wild caught animals (WC), and in fact captive bred (CB) individuals are already widespread within the industry.

This quote was the one I picked out straight away... If you don't have any stats to back this quote up, then i'd alter it - maybe say something like 'the most popular species are captive bred'? For example, corn snakes, bearded dragons and leopard geckos (though I know you do say this later). You only have to look at the stock lists of a lot of reptile shops to see that a large number of WC (or possibly CF at best) animals are still imported and sold, so I feel it would be very very difficult to back this quote up.

Originally Posted by TWGarland

More popular species of exotic animals have already been bred from captive stock for generations, in some cases resulting in ‘morphs’ of animals showing colours and patterns never before seen in the wild, similar to breeds of domesticated cat and dog.

To be pedantic (though it's best to come from friend instead of foe! ) I wouldn't compare it to breeds of dog, as dog breeds show much more drastic variation in size and shape (with the health problems to show for it), whereas with reptile morphs it is pretty much only colours. So i'd say maybe compare it more to cats/hamsters/mice/rats/guinea pigs?

No offence intended! I hope it's helped to have another perspective

[ratboy]

Originally Posted by TWGarland

Events and shows regarding exotic animals are currently growing in popularity within the UK.

Are they ? Do you have stats from the show organisers to back this up ?

Originally Posted by TWGarland

Virtually no hobbyists these days own wild caught animals (WC), and in fact captive bred (CB) individuals are already widespread within the industry.

Again ... proof ? stats ?

Originally Posted by TWGarland

Another point raised with regards to suffering at shows refers to ‘tiny’ tubs used as housing being unsuitable, often with no food or water provided. Firstly it should be realized that in most cases these housing arrangements are only temporary for the duration of the event. ‘Tiny tubs’ to the uneducated eye may seem cruel, but it’s only when informed as to the nature of the animal, for example the secretive and naturally sedate snake (Royal Python - classic example) that these conditions seem kinder than the provision of larger enclosures.

Agreed ... but could the tubs be improved upon ? For example, would a royal be better off in a dark tub with a clear lid rather than a transparant tub ?

Should water be available at all times ? Although reptiles can and do go without water for long periods, this is not perceived by a mammal owning public. I always supply water at shows and many of my animals drink it so to me, this proves it is neccessary and this point is made very well in your report.

In all a good job... but accurate, quoted statitistics are a must IMO. The Anti's are masters at spouting unsupported rhetoric and plucking random numbers out of the air. We, in contrast, really need to be seen to be accurate in what we say.

[TWGarland]

Thanks Neep Neep, i see you point. Points!. I'll be altering the article tomorrow with what you and Pete Q have said in mind.

Absolutely no offence taken, i asked for constructive criticism and thats exactly what i've gotten. Thank you very much for your help. its greatly appreciated.

[TWGarland]

Originally Posted by ratboy

In all a good job... but accurate, quoted statitistics are a must IMO. The Anti's are masters at spouting unsupported rhetoric and plucking random numbers out of the air. We, in contrast, really need to be seen to be accurate in what we say.

With regards to popularity, maybe i could get in touch with a popular show organiser, ERAC for example, to see if i could take a quote to use in my article.

For the WC - CB issue i think a supporting quote maybe a little harder to obtain. Any ideas on that one anyone?

Thanks for the help Ratboy