Dear John,

Exotic 'pet' market organisers are planning to stage an event on 10th August 2024 at the Dowty Sports & Social in Gloucester; which would see a wide range of animals including lizards, snakes and frogs cruelly carted to the venue in tiny Tupperware boxes, often without food or water, to be displayed, and illegally traded, between stallholders and the paying public.

Freedom for Animals has been working closely with our friends at the Animal Protection Agency (APA) and World Animal Protection (WAP) to ensure exotic animal market organisers have nowhere to turn to to hold their cruel events. 

So far we have seen huge successes with the campaign, with many venues already turning their backs on these events, or cancelling their upcoming dates with them.

But, now we need your help to make sure the latest market planned for the Dowty Sports & Social does not go ahead either! Help us to take action for animals today!

Together, we can win this fight. This particular reptile market is being organised by The South West Reptile Club (SWRC), who were recently sent packing by the Churchdown Community Centre in Gloucester. That centre made the responsible decision to cancel following advice from Tewkesbury Council that the event was likely to involve illegal animal selling.

After scrambling for a new venue, the SWRC have now found a new foothold in the shape of the Dowty Sports & Social, Down Hatherley Ln, Gloucester GL2 9QH. Nowhere should be allowed to hold such a cruel event, and that is why we must take action to prevent it from going ahead!

You can read more detail on the upcoming event on our 'News' page here!

Thank you for taking action for animals, and for your continued support. Together we can drive real change for animals, and make the wider public aware of the suffering caused at cruel events such as this.  

We could not be here, fighting for animal freedom, without your ongoing commitment to stand alongside us. For all that you do for animals, we could not be more grateful. I will keep you updated on this important campaign.

Until all are free,


Laura Walton
Campaigns Manager
Freedom for Animals