ANAHEIM, Calif. (July 30, 2024) — On Saturday, July 27, In Defense of Animals, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and local activists gathered at the Anaheim Convention Center to protest the Reptile Super Show, an event that exploits reptiles and amphibians for display and sale to the public, over animal cruelty, public health, and conservation concerns. 

Protesters displayed signs including one stating “Reptile Super Show Exploits Animals” and distributed literature about the harms of buying animals at expos and “pet” shops. There was also an eye-catching display featuring a human “snake” crammed inside a plexiglass tank accompanied by a sign that stated, “Shed Cruelty! Don’t Support the Wild-Animal Trade.” The expo was held at a packed convention center with sellers who cram snakes, lizards, tortoises, frogs and other species into tiny plastic containers, bins, and cages. 

Most reptiles die prematurely in captivity. High mortality is caused by breeders selling animals with existing health issues or hyping expo attendees into buying exotic species that they are not equipped to care for properly. Even the best vivariums cannot replicate the complex ecosystem habitats where these animals live in the wild. 

The captive reptile industry relies on the capture of vulnerable wild animal populations and then uses them for breeding. The pet trade is tied to illegal animal trafficking, harms critically endangered species, and destroys conservation efforts.

The harms of captivity for animals sold at expos include suffering from malnutrition, an unnatural and uncomfortable environment, loneliness, the overwhelming stress of confinement, and premature deaths. 

“Activists spoke out for the victims of the Reptile Super Show at the Anaheim Convention Center on Saturday,” said Brittany Michelson, Campaign Specialist for Captive Animals at In Defense of Animals. “Reptiles and amphibians who are sold at expos suffer extreme stress and debilitating health issues. We are calling on the city of Anaheim to take a stand against animal cruelty and cancel this annual event.” 

“Many Reptile Show attendees may not realize the tremendous suffering and premature deaths of animals in captivity,” said attorney and protest organizer Justine Block. “We urge people seeking a reptile companion, instead of supporting the harmful wild-animal trade with their purchases, to consider adopting a snake, lizard or other reptile abandoned at overwhelmed animal shelters or rescue facilities.”

Over 25 million live reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds and other species are imported annually into the U.S., according to a Government Accountability Office Report (November 2010, "Live Animal Imports: Agencies Need Better Collaboration to Reduce the Risk of Animal-Related Diseases.”) Protesters are calling for an end to the sale of reptiles and other captive animals due to the harms of captivity, loss of biodiversity in taking wild animals from their native homes, and risk of spreading diseases to humans and other animals.

Animal advocates also protested the auction of captive animals occurring as part of a Reptile Super Show ‘After-Party’ hosted by the United States Association of Reptile Keepers. Reptiles are auctioned off by sellers in small plastic containers at a noisy party, with no consideration to the stress endured by these animals. Sellers use auction proceeds to lobby against legislative and regulatory reforms that would better protect reptiles from the harms of captivity.

People seeking a reptile companion should do in-depth research into the complex needs of the specific animal and consider adopting one of the many abandoned reptiles available at local shelters and rescue organizations.

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Images (free for use with credit per file name): https://bit.ly/ReptileSuperShow

CONTACTS: 

Brittany Michelson, brittany@idausa.org 928-420-0727
Justine Block, organizer jblockesq@gmail.com 310- 927-4341
Lisa Levinson, lisa@idausa.org 215-620-2130

In Defense of Animals is an international animal rescue and protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 40-year history of defending animals, the environment, and their guardians through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, rural Mississippi, and California. www.idausa.org

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