A leading UK reptile expert is calling on the UK pet trade to back a European-wide campaign to prevent animal rights organisations from forcing a ban on reptile keeping.

Tony Jones, who represents the European Union Association of Reptile Keepers, says: "While our hobby and business interests are unrepresented in Europe we risk being subjected to major disruption caused by unfair over-legislation.  

"The political influence of animal rights organisations has already caused damage in Europe and we know that there are several campaigns underway that would have much more significant effects. 

"It is vital that the legitimate interests of reptile keepers and the pet reptile trade are represented during all debates that could influence legislation in the EU. It would be a grave mistake indeed to gamble and hope that legislators and decision makers are informed enough or considerate enough to produce proportionate and pragmatic regulations. 

"There are sufficient lessons from history where reptile keepers have been subject to unfair, prejudiced and disproportionate legislation.  We must act.

"EUARK aims to counter the aspersions made by Eurogroup for Animals and other animal rights organizations. The most effective means of achieving this is to be involved in the discussion and debating process from the earliest possible time. 

"For those who have been involved in the political and legislative issues in the UK it is obvious and likely that without representation in Europe, a ban on reptile keeping will be implemented in Europe. The severity and scope of a ban is debatable, but it is widely accepted that it will have significant economic consequences.  

"A ban on reptile keeping is far more likely than most people realise. Norway and Sweden both suffered a legislative ban on reptile keeping, with Sweden only becoming exempt following its accession into the EU.  Reptile keeping is still illegal in Norway.

"Similarly, it is worth remembering that the ban on importation of both wild and captive bred birds was implemented in the UK in a matter of weeks with very little lead up to the event. Although this ban was initially stated as a temporary measure it is widely accepted that a revocation will not occur at any time in the foreseeable future. 

"Campaigning around the topics of human and animal health was the primary focus for legislators and it is this exact rationale that is being used by animal rights groups in their fight to ban reptile imports.

"UK is safe, or at least it was until the issue moved to Brussels. Eurogroup for Animals is hugely powerful and we need to make our views heard."

To find out more you can get a copy of EUARK's 'Reptiles and Amphibians as Companion Animals' brochure by emailing info@52oaks.com