Doncaster Council to ‘vigorously enforce’ no animal selling rule at proposed wildlife market
Doncaster Council has reaffirmed its commitment to ‘vigorously enforce’ a no animal selling rule at a reptile market planned for tomorrow 17 June 2012 at the Dome, Doncaster. Following input from the Animal Protection Agency and the RSPCA, the Council stated that it would not allow sales of any animals whatsoever at a proposed animal market this Sunday, and that the Council would carry out its duties as enforcers and prosecute offenders.
Exotic pet markets, such as the one advertised to take place this Sunday, have been likened by some observers to large jumble sales. However, instead of inanimate items, live animals including lizards, snakes and frogs are offered for sale in small plastic tubs. Selling animals as pets from market stalls was outlawed in a 1983 amendment to the Pet Animals Act 1951, because conditions were considered to be inhumane.
The Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust, which manages the Dome, informed organisers earlier this week that while they can hold a meeting, there would be a “total prohibition on animal sales”. The organisers sought an injunction in the High Court yesterday to allow their event complete with animal trading activities to continue. However, the judge ordered that the event could proceed as a meeting but the gathering would be controlled by the Council’s enforcement of the no animal sales rule.
Organisers yesterday again tried to pressure the Council into allowing animal selling by issuing legal letters, but the Council last night restated its commitment to attend the event and ‘vigorously enforce’ the no animal selling rule. APA has been made aware that event organisers, who have a considerable commercial investment in the event, have so far not acceded to the requests by the Council or the Dome Trust to fully inform those planning to attend of the no animal sales rule. Instead, many disgruntled traders and would-be buyers have embarked on a campaign of badgering, insults and threats to life against APA staff for breaking the news to them that they face enforcement proceedings and prosecution if they attend the event and offer for sale, or sell, any animal.
Says Elaine Toland, Director of APA:
“Doncaster Council and the Leisure Trust are properly fulfilling their duty in law by enforcing the ‘no animal selling’ rule. These are formal obligations for the Council and they have followed correct procedure impeccably. However, many people hoping to attend the event without facing enforcement action or simply to buy an animal from a stall are being kept in the dark by the event organisers.”
Doncaster Council’s and the Trust’s actions are consistent with other Councils actions this year in prohibiting animal sales at similar events. Doncaster Council and the Leisure Trust have also attempted to communicate the prohibition and the intended enforcement action to interested parties via the organisers in a proposed joint press release, but the organisers have so far declined to convey the message to those hoping to attend the event.
HM Revenue & Customs has been briefed about the event as animal dealers, including those who describe themselves as ‘hobbyists’, can make substantial sums of money in the UK and abroad – and this may not always be fully declared.
- For further information, please contact Elaine Toland on 01273 674253 or on the out of hours number: 07986 535024
Note to Editors:
- Doncaster Council’s letter to the Animal Protection Agency reads as follows:
To confirm our position:
1. As landlord to Doncaster Community Leisure Trust we have requested that they impose a condition on the show organisers that there will be a total prohibition on animal sales. This will be communicated to the organisers by the Trust.
2. In the event that the show now proceeds, officers from our enforcement teams will attend the event to monitor with a view to prosecuting breaches.
In relation to Richard Buxton's letter of 7 June, his interpretation of the law is agreed and will be communicated to relevant officers. In the event that the show proceeds, letters will be issued to the organiser and stallholders.
(Legal Section, Doncaster Council)
Animal Protection Agency
Brighton Media Centre, 15-17 Middle Street, Brighton BN1 1AL
Tel: 01273 674253
info@apa.org.uk
www.apa.org.uk
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