THE reptile group which wanted to hold a show in Redditch has denied claims evidence of animals being bought and sold was videotaped at its last show in the town.
Protection group Animal Aid said an undercover investigator visited a reptile fair organised by the International Herpetological Society (IHS) at Arrow Valley Social Club in September.
In a statement, Animal Aid claimed videotaped evidence backed up by literature gathered on the day showed illegal commercial trading had taken place.
After praising Redditch Council's refusal to allow the IHS to stage the event, Animal Aid spokesman Elaine Toland said according to US pet industry data, most reptiles in captivity died within a year and in an artificial environment posed a significant risk to human health.
IHS secretary Alan Wilkie also responded to concerns from Animal Aid that the IHS would try to organise an 'underground fair'.
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