Government "failing" to crack down on wild animal trade
Clifford Warwick compares the exotic pet trade to other industries where sellers must prove their products are safe.
One of the world's leading reptile biologists has warned that Government is failing to crack down on the wild animal trade, resulting in global animal suffering, human disease and threats to wildlife.
Clifford Warwick's major new article "The morality of the reptile pet trade" has been published in the Journal of Animal Ethics. Animal Protection Agency has commented on details of the report.
It compares the exotic pet trade to other industries, pointing out that traders of exotic pets do not have to prove to consumers that their animals are safe before selling them.
Mr Clifford uses the example of a cuddly toy for children. The product has to comply with a variety of safety standards before being marketed.
This is compared to a live wild animal that can be delivered straight into a family home without assessing its safety, despite the fact that it could cause disease or injury to its keeper and pose a threat to wildlife if it escapes.
"The real problem," Mr Clifford says, "arises because supposedly competent governmental authorities continuously fail to regard the overwhelming scientific evidence and rationale that warrants a ban on all commerce and private keeping of reptiles, among other wild animals."
The author says that while reptiles are equally able to feel pain and suffering as pet dogs, pet reptiles are subjected to conditions deemed unacceptable for dogs and cats.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
