Reptile trade under threat
Call to protect reptile hobby
The reptile hobby and trade are facing their biggest threat to date under new laws being drafted by the EU Commission.
The legislation could effectively ban the keeping of many common reptile species, according to the UK’s leading governmental adviser on exotic pets. Chris Newman, of the Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade Association (REPTA), says that few reptile keepers or businesses are aware of the pending legislation, or the potentially devastating consequences it will have for traders and pet owners.
Legislators are currently discussing ways to control species which are ‘alien’ to the EU, with a ban on the importation, transportation, trading and even keeping alien species being considered. Changes to the law will be implemented some time later this year. The move comes in an attempt to kerb the spread of invasive alien species, which are said to cost around 13 billion Euros each year.
“While on the face of it this legislation might seem like a sensible precaution it is very likely that the new rules will be unnecessary and heavy handed,” Chris told PBW news.
“Rest assured that there WILL be new laws and they WILL affect everyone involved with reptiles. It is important that reptile traders and keepers are active in the decision-making process to stop the process being hi-jacked. We know that some of the more extreme animal welfare groups are looking to exploit this opportunity to push their agenda. Pet keepers need to get on board to make sure the new laws are fair. The industry must mobilise itself to limit the damage.”
And he warned: “It is the greatest threat our hobby has ever faced. The new laws have the potential to ruin every business associated with reptiles and there is even the possibility that reptile keepers could be forced to destroy their pets. The worst case scenarios are a distinct possibility. Commonly-kept pet species could become illegal overnight, forcing dedicated keepers underground to avoid euthanising their animals. This would have serious consequences for welfare as acquiring veterinary care could be impossible for those who keep banned species.”
The main risk to pet keepers appears to be the option for the EU Commission to introduce a ‘white list’ of legal species, as opposed to a ‘black list’ of those animals that are known to pose a risk to native ecosystems. While a white list is widely understood as the most easily administered option, experts strongly criticise this approach. Only 15% of the 11,000-plus alien plants and animals in the EU are considered damaging to biodiversity, which experts sy proves that ‘white-list’ legislation is unviable and unnecessary. “A ‘black-list’ would be fairer and more effective,” says Chris. “A list of species that that are proven to be sufficiently hazardous to each native ecosystem and introduced on a country specific basis.”
It is also unclear if the new laws will form a blanket ban that would affect trade, importation and possession of new unlawful species, or if each part of the hobby would be served by separate legislation. Neither is it known if the new legislation will be rolled out across the whole of Europe or if appropriate laws will be introduced on a country-by-country basis. “Californian king snakes have been found in the wild in the sub-tropical climate of the Canary Islands, and many think that they are breeding there. While it could be argued that this species is a threat in that part of Europe, blanket legislation banning Lampropeltis species in European countries such as the UK or Norway is unnecessary as these animals cannot survive in colder climates,” said Chris.
Lessons from abroad?
Herp professionals and organisations in the US have also issued a warning to British herpers. Similsr legislation in the US has already imposed a ban on the importation of four species of large boids – and more reptiles look set to join this list. Experts there warn that the legislative processes in the EU bear the same hallmarks as those they have been campaigning against. US industry experts predict that the European legislative process will be ‘piggy-backed’ by the scientific community as large amounts of funding become available to study the IAS issue.
“It has already happened here,” said Andrew Wyatt from the United States Association of Reptile Keepers. “ The American issue has been steadily growing over the last few years as environmentalists and scientific groups make best use of the media to garner support from an uninformed public, releasing anecdotal information to the press. This media exposure is the primary form of attack and stirs up the public perception that invasive reptiles are laying waste to the indigenous bird and mammal species. Throw electioneering and political funding from radical environmental groups into the equation and the problem is compounded. After watching the situation unfold in the US, legislators, politicians, scientists and environmental welfare groups in the UK and across Europe have begun making moves in the same direction.
“You guys in the UK and across Europe need to get organised… and quickly,” Wyatt warns.
Reptile keepers and businesses in the UK and across Europe can find out more by reading the information at
Federation of British Herpetologists -
where the official position of the Federation of British Herpetoculturists is outlined.
Have your say!
The closing date for public consultation responses is April 12th .
You can take action and make your views known by completing the consultation questionnaire at
Consultation - Environment - European Commission
The response given by the Federation of British Herpetoculturists can be used for guidance but REPTA advises that it is important that you complete the questionnaire with the answers you feel are most appropriate.
Federation of British Herpetologists -
f-b-h.org
Founded in 1997
Federation of British Herpetologists -
f-b-h.org
Founded in 1997
Federation of British Herpetologists -
Founded in 1997
Federation of British Herpetologists -
[copy and pasted from facebook]
Linear Mode
