Lovers of snakes, lizards and spiders could indulge themselves today in Hilversum at Reptilica, a fair where the animals were shown and sold. But there were about ten demonstrators in front of the door, who were not at all happy with the trade surrounding the cold-blooded animals.
“We are demonstrating against this reptile fair because the animals are kept, exhibited and sold here in noodle containers and we are not okay with that,” says Jojanneke Vanderveen of the Party for the Animals.
But according to the traders at the fair, they are temporarily in the containers for a purpose: “They are small to prevent stress. The animals are on the table, are not lifted and there is a heating element underneath.”
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There is (yet) no so-called ‘positive list’ – domestic and hobby animal list – for reptiles, as there has been for mammals since July 1, 2024. But there are certainly rules for reptiles. Reptilica has its own regulations. And also the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority checks regularly at fairs.
“It seems as if there is mainly ignorance about transporting the animals,” organizer Michiel Loeber previously responded to NH. “If you’re going to transport a cat or a dog on an airplane, they become… also put in a small crateso they can’t hurt themselves. That also happens with reptiles.”
The organizer understands that people are upset about seeing the bami containers, but he believes they have a function. “You can leave those containers in the freezer for a few days, which will remove the bacteria. That is better for the reptiles.”
“Of course you also have the emotions of humans and I understand that, but the small containers are temporary. It is not fun for an animal, but you have to be able to transport the animal.”