At Doncaster reptile show, thousands of animals are trapped for hours in cramped, stressful conditions

At Doncaster reptile show, thousands of animals are trapped for hours in cramped, stressful conditions that cause immense suffering. 

Snakes lie coiled in tiny tubs with no water or shelter. Lizards scrabble in takeaway boxes under bright lights. Tortoises claw at glass walls.

This is an animal welfare emergency – we need to act now. 

When lockdown restrictions end, organisers will be planning the next reptile show at Doncaster Racecourse. Together, we can stop it, but we don't have much time.

Will you urgently tell Doncaster Racecourse to cancel these cruel wildlife markets? 

A lifetime of suffering

The Doncaster reptile show takes place four times a year, attracting hundreds of exotic pet breeders and thousands of customers.

It’s one of the last wildlife markets in the UK. Ball pythons sold like colourful toys are prodded, picked up and held. But they’re shy, sensitive animals, not products. These complex creatures feel fear and pain.

Even after they’re sold, these sensitive creatures face a lifetime of suffering. Although they’re bred in the UK, these are wild animals with complex needs.

As a nation of animal lovers, we can’t allow this to continue. It’s time to stop Doncaster’s reptile markets before more creatures suffer. 

Wildlife. Not pets: our campaign

Ball pythons are incredibly popular pets in the UK. These shy nocturnal snakes are calm and quiet, so people often think they don’t need much care. But that’s far from the truth. 

To stay healthy, ball pythons need the right temperature and humidity. If they’re too hot or cold, they can sustain serious injuries. And if conditions aren’t right for them to shed their skins and eye caps, they may go blind.

When they’re stressed – as they often are in captivity – ball pythons can stop eating and become ill. Being handled sometimes makes them coil up uncontrollably, which can be fatal. 

These complex creatures need space to stretch, explore, hunt and hide. But at Doncaster’s wildlife markets they’re curled up in plastic boxes, suffering in plain sight. Once sold, most spend their lives in cramped tanks in people’s homes.

The trade in ball pythons and other exotic pets is inhumane. Wild animals should be in the wild, where they belong.