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Majority of reptiles and fish die within a year
tropical fish
Around 40 million pet fish are imported annually into the UK.
Damning report reveals high mortality rates pre-sale and in the home

The majority of pet reptiles and fish either die before they can be sold, or within their first year in the home, according to a damning report published in the Ecologist.

Quoting figures from WWF and the Ecologist, author and medical scientist Clifford Warwick said about 80 per cent of wild-caught marine fish die pre-sale. Of the 40 million pet fish imported annually into the UK, almost all die within just one year.

Meanwhile, around 70 per cent of reptiles die before sale and a further 81 per cent die within a year of being sold.

The article, titled 'The exotic pet trade is a global evil that must be stopped', describes the exotic pet industry as unsustainable and estimates a quarter of the trade to be illegal.

Furthermore, the article raises concerns about the number of exotic pets being released into the wild and potentially introduce novel pathogens impacting human and livestock health. In London alone, there are thought to be at least 51 types of released reptiles and amphibians.

Clifford Warwick, who has been a field biologist for 30 years, said: "Long overdue is the need to haul this industry's modern-day dark-age habits to face the cleansing light of scientific scrutiny, neo-political good will, and common sense morals.

"Evidential and ethical arguments overwhelmingly justify a complete ban on trading exotic animals as pets. Already available, however, are so-named 'positive lists' - which turn the historical 'free trade' concept around and stipulate 'no trade until proven safe'.

"This approach offers a pro-active and not reactive opportunity to favour wildlife over the deepening pockets of pet peddlers. But so long as the exotic pet trade continues, its maleficence will persist to the detriment of animals, humans and the world in which we live".

For the full report, visit: www.theecologist.org

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.