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Council takes action on illegal animal trading
"Most reptiles die within just one year in the home – sadly reptiles sold at markets are likely to die even sooner from the considerable additional stress they endure” - APA.

Local venues warned to be vigilant

Basildon Borough Council has won praise for taking a proactive stance on illegal animal trading.

In July this year, Animal Protection Agency (APA) investigators filmed ‘widespread unlawful animal trading’ at a reptile market in Basildon. The event had been described by organisers as a ‘breeders meeting’ at which no commercial animal selling would occur.

Before the event, Basildon Council liaised closely with the APA and the venue to investigate illegal trading. The venue also worked hard to ensure the event complied with legislation and even barred some people from attending.


The APA has commended Basildon Council for examining evidence closely, giving clear and timely advice to the venue, and supporting calls for local venue managers to be cautious about accepting bookings for exotic pet markets.


Furthermore, APA has described action taken by Basildon Council as an example of ‘best practice’ that other councils should follow if faced with similar challenges.

“By continuing to work alongside local councils and venues, we are determined to see an end to animals being sold in such shockingly poor conditions,” says Elaine Toland, director of the APA. 


“Footage obtained by our investigators shows lizards, tortoises and snakes barely able to move in small plastic boxes with little to no temperature or humidity control. According to our research, most reptiles die within just one year in the home – sadly reptiles sold at markets are likely to die even sooner from the considerable additional stress they endure.”


It is against the law to trade in pet animals at market stalls as the welfare of animals cannot be safeguarded in such temporary conditions.


With the help of the APA, exotic pet markets have, on the whole, been stamped out by local councils across the UK. However, reptile market organisers often describe their events as ‘shows’ or breeders meetings.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.