Close Menu
Pet Business World
  • Trade News
    • Distributors
    • International
    • Legislation
    • Manufacturers
    • Other trades
    • Retailers
  • New Products
    • Birds
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Small Animals
  • Features
    • Industry Experts
    • Retailer profiles
  • Aquatics
  • Columnists
    • Newshound
    • Reptile Trade Views
  • People
  • Magazines
    • March 2025
    • February 2025
    • January 2025
    • December 2024
    • November 2024
    • October 2024
  • Classifieds
  • Trade Directory
  • Advertise
  • Email Newsletters
  • Subscribe
Facebook X (Twitter)
  • FREE Email Newsletters
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Free Magazine Subscriptions
X (Twitter) Facebook
Pet Business World
  • Trade News
    • Distributors
    • International
    • Legislation
    • Manufacturers
    • Other trades
    • Retailers
  • New Products
    • Birds
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Small Animals
  • Features
    • Industry Experts
    • Retailer profiles
  • Aquatics
  • Columnists
    • Newshound
    • Reptile Trade Views
  • People
  • Magazines
    1. May 2025
    2. April 2025
    3. March 2025
    4. February 2025
    5. January 2025
    6. December 2024
    Featured

    PBW News – May 2025

    By David ReesMay 13, 2025
    Recent

    PBW News – May 2025

    May 13, 2025

    PBW News – April 2025

    April 24, 2025

    PBW News – March 2025

    March 11, 2025
  • Classifieds
  • Trade Directory
Pet Business World
Reptile Trade Views

Reptile trade views – November 2021

David ReesBy David ReesNovember 20, 20213 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email
Reptile trade views – May 2022
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email

Fighting for your rights

I recently listened to an interview featuring Phil Goss from USARK (United States Association of Reptile Keepers). It was interesting to hear about the challenges they face over there and how similar they are to the issues we have here in the UK. You can listen to the interview by visiting the Madison Area Herpetological Society Facebook page and scrolling to October 7. But here are a few points which struck a chord with me:

  1. Many legislative issues are caused by irresponsible keepers, such as the recent knee-jerk reaction to the escaped cobra in North Carolina.
  2. Others are caused by legislators proposing cut-and-paste legislation which has been implemented elsewhere.
  3. Legislation is often determined by who shows up during the early stages of the process. If the only people contributing to the debate are animal rights activists, the legislation will favour their agenda.
  4. USARK operates on a tiny budget which is a fraction of that available to the giant animal rights charities. Nevertheless, USARK is often successful.
  5. Individuals can make a difference by taking action – writing to politicians and legislators, sharing social media content, educating the ill-informed and supporting those who fight for our right to keep reptiles.

The third point in this list is particularly relevant in the UK. Currently, businesses and keepers in Scotland are facing potential legislation following a review of evidence by the government’s scientific advisors. These advisors don’t conduct research themselves, but instead review evidence which is already out there. Sadly, much of this is generated by a few animal rights extremists who peer-review each other’s research. Without any input from herp-trade specialists, the AR rhetoric will be all the scientists have to work with.

Thankfully, organisations such as REPTA are there to fight our corner during those vital early stages. Dave Perry explained the situation well with an analogy: “Influencing legislation is like steering an oil tanker into port,” he said. “If you leave it too late, it’s difficult to correct a bad trajectory.”

Stiletto snake’s narrow escape

News of a terrifying event leaked to social media last month – a stiletto snake had a close call with Chris Newman from the National Centre for Reptile Welfare. Chris had been called out to collect a snake that had arrived in the UK from Africa.

The snake had been misidentified as a harmless file snake, and this was what Chris had been told to expect when he arrived at the scene. However, the animal was actually a venomous stiletto snake, which promptly bit Chris’s hand.

Chris was essentially fine apart from some swelling and apparently significant levels of pain, yadda yadda. I’m sure he’ll live. More importantly, the snake is also doing well and suffering no ill effects from its run-in with the big hairy human. The animal is now safely in the hands of the venomous specialists at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

On a serious note, we’re all glad that Chris is okay.

Share. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email
Previous ArticlePromising start for business born in a shed
Next Article Pet accessories brand secures major investment
David Rees

David Rees is the editor of PBW News. In a 30-year career in trade journalism he has specialised in the retail and wholesale sectors, holding senior positions at a number of leading titles.

Read Similar Stories

Reptile Trade Views

Reptile trade views – June 2022

June 16, 2022
Reptile Trade Views

Reptile trade views – May 2022

May 20, 2022
Reptile Trade Views

Reptile trade views – April 2022

April 20, 2022
Most Read

PATS Aquatic Zone set for expansion

May 22, 2025

Pedigree Wholesale expands Natures Deli paste range

May 22, 2025

OATA appoints new office manager

May 22, 2025
© 2024 Lewis Business Media. All Rights Reserved.
Lewis Business Media, Suite A, Arun House, Office Village, River Way, Uckfield, TN22 1SL

Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions

  • OvertheCounter
  • Pest Magazine

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “ACCEPT ALL”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsREJECT ALLAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
AWSALBCORS7 daysThis cookie is managed by Amazon Web Services and is used for load balancing.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Necessary" category .
PHPSESSIDsessionThis cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
CookieDurationDescription
AWSALB7 daysAWSALB is a cookie generated by the Application load balancer in the Amazon Web Services. It works slightly different from AWSELB.
explat_test_aa_weekly_lohp_2021_week_4517 days 8 hoursNo description
ppwp_wp_session30 minutesNo description
tk_ai14 daysGathers information for WordPress by themselves, first party analytics tool about how WP services are used. A collection of internal metrics for user activity, used to improve user experience.
tk_qssessionGathers information for WordPress by themselves, first party analytics tool about how WP services are used. A collection of internal metrics for user activity, used to improve user experience.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
CookieDurationDescription
OAGEOsessionOpenX sets this cookie to avoid the repeated display of the same ad.
OAID1 yearThis cookie is set when an AdsWizz website visitor have opted out the collection of information by AdsWizz service or opted to disable the targeted ads by AdsWizz.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
CookieDurationDescription
_ga2 yearsThe _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_31822138_71 minuteSet by Google to distinguish users.
_gid1 dayInstalled by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
tk_lr1 yearThe tk_lr is a referral cookie set by the JetPack plugin on sites using WooCommerce, which analyzes referrer behaviour for Jetpack.
tk_or5 yearsThe tk_or is a referral cookie set by the JetPack plugin on sites using WooCommerce, which analyzes referrer behaviour for Jetpack.
tk_r3d3 daysJetPack installs this cookie to collect internal metrics for user activity and in turn improve user experience.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Powered by CookieYes Logo