Animal advocates gathered outside the Reptile Super Show at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, California, to expose the hidden suffering behind the exotic pet trade and to promote compassionate alternatives.

Throughout the event, advocates engaged with hundreds of show attendees, distributing informational flyers in both English and Spanish. These materials highlighted the realities of reptile expos, where snakes, lizards, tortoises, frogs, and other animals are confined to cramped plastic containers and cages and treated as merchandise rather than living beings. Many attendees responded overwhelmingly positively, with some expressing gratitude for the information and asking thoughtful follow-up questions about reptile care and adoption from reputable rescue organizations.

Most people are not aware that reptile super shows and expos help fuel the exotic pet trade — an industry that’s linked to wildlife trafficking, biodiversity loss, and widespread animal suffering. Reptiles and amphibians sold at these events are generally excluded from federal animal welfare protections, leaving them particularly vulnerable to neglect, injury, and premature death. Advocates also raised awareness about ongoing legal and public health concerns, including the frequent illegal sale of turtles and tortoises with shells under four inches, despite well-documented risks of salmonella transmission, especially to children.

What’s also widely unknown is that some reptiles, such as tortoises, can live well over 100 years, challenging the persistent myth that reptiles are “easy” or “starter” pets. 

Advocates also called attention to deeply troubling reports of deceased and dying animals discarded in trash bags at a prior Reptile Super Show, proving the urgent need for oversight and reform.

In Defense of Animals is committed to ending the sale of animals at super shows and expos and advancing stronger protections for animals exploited by the exotic pet trade. More than 10,000 members of the public have sent messages to the Pomona Fairplex asking it to stop hosting animal expos and calling on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to ban them.

In Defense of Animals was joined at the demonstration by organizations such as Animal Alliance Network, Los Angeles Animal Defense League, Los Angeles Animal Save, and Rescue Not Retail for this day of protest and public outreach focused on adoption, awareness, and accountability.

You can help by taking action today. Visit www.idausa.org/reptiles to learn more and stand up for reptiles and other animals.