Animal protection groups have received positive news today, as the Magna Science Adventure Centre has announced that they will no longer be hosting any future reptile and amphibian markets. This decision comes after an upcoming event scheduled for this Sunday, 1st September 2024.
Magna CEO Kevin Tomlinson confirmed this decision after an enquiry from Sarah Champion MP, stating that the company’s high moral standards do not align with these types of events. As a result, they will no longer be hosting any events of this nature.
However, animal protection campaigners are urging for a law enforcement presence at Sunday’s event, citing evidence of unlawful animal trading and widespread animal suffering at previous events held at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in June 2024 and September 2023. They are also pushing for DEFRA to make it easier for local councils to enforce the law and put an end to illegal pet market trading.
The Magna Science Adventure Centre now joins a growing list of venues, including exhibition centres, showgrounds, and racecourses, that have committed to not hosting reptile markets. These events are often falsely advertised as “breeders’ meetings” or “shows,” when in reality, they are commercial animal markets.
Elaine Toland, Director of the Animal Protection Agency, commended the Magna Science Adventure Centre for their positive stance, stating that with more and more venues refusing to host reptile markets, the trade is losing steam and is great news for animal welfare. Laura Walton, Campaigns Manager for Freedom for Animals, also praised the decision, stating that scientific evidence shows that reptile welfare cannot be properly protected in the temporary conditions of these events. She also called on Rotherham Council to play their part in prosecuting those who engage in illegal trading.
Dr. Charlotte Regan, Wildlife Campaign Manager for World Animal Protection, also expressed gratitude towards the Magna Science Adventure Centre for their decision to no longer host these controversial and outdated markets. She thanked them on behalf of World Animal Protection and their supporters for taking such positive action for animal welfare.
This news was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ on Wednesday 28 August, 2024.
