Protesters are to gather outside Doncaster Racecourse to oppose the Doncaster Reptile Show

The Doncaster Reptile show brings together pet shops, exhibitors and breeders who bring thousands of animals to the event.

A group of campaigners with World Animal Protection are protesting against the show.

Jodie Wright, protester, said: “The animals have no access to food or water throughout the whole day and due to the small size of the containers they are kept in also have no space to uncoil and nowhere to hide from the bright lights and noise of the show.

“These animals are naturally shy and will be under huge amounts of stress.”

The event is expecting up to 1,000 people to attend this year.

The protesters are concerned about the animals becoming vectors for disease.

“Captive reptiles are well-documented as potential carriers of pathogens, such as parasites and viruses,” she continued.

Dr Clifford Warwick, of the Emergent Disease Foundation, said: “In my view, it is a matter of time until a new pandemic arises, and places such as Doncaster cannot be ruled out as possible future ‘ground zeroes.’

“Wherever many stressed wild animals are gatherers, displayed or sold, the health and welfare of animals and humans can become a serious concern.”

The protesters will gather outside the Doncaster Racecourse on June 27.

You can find out more here.

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