Bradford City Council has issued a warning to Woodbank Garden Centre & Nurseries in Bingley regarding its plans to host a large-scale reptile and amphibian market on its premises on June 22, 2025. Despite the potential consequences, the Garden Centre has stated that it will still hold the event.
The market, organized by the International Herpetological Society (I.H.S.), has a reputation for promoting unlawful animal trading and causing animal suffering. The Council has informed the Garden Centre that the event, which involves the sale of thousands of reptiles, would violate the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 and the Pet Animals Act 1951.
Woodbank Garden Centre & Nurseries currently holds a pet shop licence from Bradford City Council which restricts the sale of animals to 6 tortoises, 12 guinea pigs, and 6 hamsters, as well as tropical and cold-water fish. Any sale of animals outside of these limits would be a breach of the licence conditions.
The mistreatment of animals is a common occurrence at these types of markets. Wild animals such as lizards, snakes, and frogs are often kept in small plastic containers and given no regard for their specific welfare needs. They are denied food, water, and shelter, and are unable to move around freely.
Elaine Toland, Director of the Animal Protection Agency, states, “The public is outraged by the sight of distressed and fearful animals confined in small containers. It is concerning that Woodbank Garden Centre would risk its reputation by associating with the I.H.S. and allowing animal suffering on its premises.”
Laura Walton, Campaigns Manager at Freedom for Animals, adds, “Reptile markets are breeding grounds for cruelty and illegal wildlife trade. Allowing this event to take place shows a disregard for animal welfare and sets a dangerous precedent.”
Charlotte Regan, Wildlife Campaigns Manager at World Animal Protection, states, “Reptiles and amphibians are sentient beings capable of feeling pain, fear, stress, and suffering. Treating them as commodities for sale is unacceptable.”
Bradford City Council has been commended for its efforts to caution the Garden Centre about the market. This is not the first time the Council has encountered an I.H.S. event, as they previously refused to issue a licence for an event in 2003. The I.H.S. then took the Council to court, but ultimately lost the case.
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.
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