The International Herpetological Society (IHS) has accused animal rights organisations of using ‘bully tactics’ in a bid to get a reptile event called off at Woodbank Garden Centre in Yorkshire.
The organisation claimed the groups had launched a campaign against the long-standing event despite it meeting all regulatory and welfare standards and operating within the law.
The breeders’ meeting, organised by IHS, permits members to sell surplus captive-bred reptiles and amphibians. But the event, which has been held for many years, has faced renewed criticism from animal activist groups such as the Animal Protection Agency, World Animal Protection, and Freedom for Animals.
However, according to IHS and the venue organisers, these activist groups are engaging in what they describe as ‘bully tactics’ – an ongoing strategy the organisations have used for decades in attempts to shut down legal animal-related events.
The IHS strongly defends the legality and ethics of the event.
“The event is lawful, with recent amendments to the Animal Welfare Act clearly confirming that members are permitted to sell surplus stock at such meets,” an IHS spokesperson stated. “These events have never had any animal welfare issues, and we always ensure high welfare standards.”
Every breeders’ meet is attended by two independent veterinarians, as well as representatives from the local council, DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs), and other regulatory bodies. No wild-caught animals are permitted at these events — only captive-bred species may be sold. Furthermore, animals are housed in transport containers for short-term movement only, with continuous monitoring by vets to ensure welfare requirements are met at all times.
In response to recent concerns, Woodbank Garden Centre confirmed that the breeders’ event is a hired function, entirely separate from its pet shop operations. A meeting with the local council in late May resulted in no concerns over licensing or animal welfare. A few procedural recommendations were made and promptly implemented, according to the organisers.
“This latest attack is part of a broader strategy by activist groups whose ultimate goal is to end all forms of animal captivity — including regulated events, pet ownership, and responsible breeding,” said one of the event’s organisers. “These organisations generate significant revenue through emotional campaigns, often misleading the public to support their anti-captivity agenda.”
Critics argue that while such groups claim to protect animals, their long-term objective may be the complete removal of animals from private care and regulated exhibition — an approach many see as extreme and counterproductive.
Organisers say they will not be deterred by what they view as coordinated misinformation campaigns aimed at shutting down legal and responsible animal-related activities.
Responsible Reptile Keeping said: "The campaigners use propaganda and lies to harass local authorities and venues to close down these events where experienced keepers come together to share their knowledge. Who do you think knows more about reptile care? Why anyone listens to the campaigners is a mystery."
IHS added that Bradford council was currently avoiding communication with the organisation in regards to the event, and added that it may need to take the matter further.
