Exotic snakes, lizards and frogs are set to go on display at Portsmouth Reptile Show, which has been held at Havant Leisure Centre for the past five years and attracts more than 800 people.
But the Animal Protection Agency is demanding the show is
not allowed to take place because of fears about the commercial trading of reptiles.
By law, the sale of any pet from a market for commercial purposes is illegal.
The agency has written to Havant council, which owns the leisure centre, to demand it ensures no commercial trading takes place – and closes the show if it does.
Organisers admit reptiles are sold, but not by businesses.
They say sales are only made by breeders from clubs who are selling off excess stock.
But Elaine Toland, the action group’s director, said: ‘It’s presented as a hobbyist gathering where animals are displayed and exchange hands.
‘But you walk through that door and it’s a wholesale market.
‘They store these reptiles in takeaway tubs all day. The welfare conditions are pretty appalling.’
Show organiser Lyn Kent, from Portsmouth Reptile and Amphibian Society, defended the event, due to be held on October 24.
She said: ‘They are all members of clubs around the country – they are not shops.
‘We are not allowed to let people in that have imported bought animals. It’s quite strict.’
She added a vet was present to check welfare standards.
Les Glass, environmental health team leader at Havant council, said: ‘We have written to Havant Leisure Centre advising that should this event go ahead they are to ensure that the selling of any animals does not take place and they should take steps to “police” the event.
‘Environmental health officers and animal welfare officers will also carry out inspections on the day to ensure that the law is being complied with.’
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