The Blue Cross and the Born Free Foundation want to see laws surrounding the sales of exotic pets brought up to date.

Welfare of thousands of exotic pets at risk

Animal welfare charities are calling on the UK Government to carry out a review of the exotic pet trade as a new report reveals the true extent of unsuitable and potentially dangerous animals available to purchase online.

Compiled by the Blue Cross and the Born Free Foundation, the report found that at any one time, across a sample of just six websites, there are some 25,000 adverts offering more than 120 species of exotic animals for sale.

With little or no regulation of online purchases, the charities are concerned for the health and welfare of the animals available - as well as the safety of the public - and want to see laws surrounding the sales of exotic pets brought up to date.

"It is truly shocking how many exotic animals and of such diversity are available online, with so many advertised incorrectly or incompletely and with no indication of their often complex needs," said Chris Draper of the Born Free Foundation.

He adds: "The government needs to review the Pet Animals Act as a priority to ensure people are made aware of the issues related to buying exotic pets online and we should urgently examine how these animals are faring in the pet trade."

All pets are offered a certain level of protection through the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Pet Animals Act 1951. However, there is confusion over how they are applied and enforced.

The Pet Animals Act, which controls the sales of animals in pet shops, was drafted long before the internet or the growth in popularity of exotic pets so the charities are convinced that it is no longer fit for purpose.

Steve Goody, Blue Cross deputy chief executive commented: "The report shows the shocking scale of the exotic pet trade and urgent need for action.

"With ever-increasing demand for more and more unusual pets and the huge growth in internet sales, it is high time for the government to take action to ensure that this industry is properly regulated."