Snakes 'suffering unneccessarily' at Doncaster Racecourse based event, campaigners claim

But the organisers insist they meet welfare guidelines.

A report by World Animal Protection (WAP) published today claims royal python snakes are kept in small takeaway boxes at the market, run by the International Herpetological Society at Doncaster Racecourse four times a year.

WAP claims the snakes are denied space to move properly, shelter and water.

It says its research and minimum care guidance state the snakes need space to fully stretch their bodies to avoid stress and pain, but at the event, snakes were in small display cases, plastic storage boxes and takeaway boxes.

Dozens of breeders and thousands of customers attend the markets.

The snakes are called ball pythons in America and are popular as exotic pets in the UK.

Peter Kemple Hardy, wildlife campaigns manager at WAP said “The conditions ball pythons and other reptiles are kept in at the Doncaster reptile market are totally unacceptable.

“Ball pythons are sentient wild animals that can feel pleasure, distress, excitement, fear and pain. They aren’t products and they shouldn’t be kept in conditions that cause them suffering. We’re calling on Doncaster Racecourse to stop allowing its venue to be used for reptile markets – wild animals belong in the wild, not sold as pets.”

Richard Brook, event organizer for the IHS, described WAP as an animal rights organisation opposed to keeping animals as pets. WAP denies this, and says it is a welfare organisation.

He said: “The breeder’s meetings are run under the auspices of Federation of British Herpetologists guidelines for such events. The FBH is recognised by Government as the lead body that represents the welfare interests of captive reptiles. In addition to complying with these guidelines the International Herpetological Society employs the services of two reptile specialist vets to oversee the welfare of animals at the events.”

Nikki Griffiths, sales director at Doncaster Racecourse, said: “As the venue of a wide range of different events and exhibitions throughout the year, Doncaster Racecourse will always require any external organisations that come on to our site to meet all of the relevant health and safety and animal welfare standards that apply to them.”