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What's our view?

We strongly support further regulation of the keeping of NTCAs to ensure that only species where there this a high expectation that the Five Domains can be met and that they will have a Good Life are permitted to be kept within domestic settings. This could be achieved through a traffic light system or multi-tier licensing system.

We also consider that:

• Licensing conditions and statutory guidance for pet vending should be consistent across the UK with a single system of detailed minimum standards.
• There should be further regulation of online sales, and in particular advertising on third party sites. PAAG Minimum Standards should be adopted by Government as a basis for regulation of the sector.
• Any person selling any animal should have to register to do so with their Local Authority and display their registration number in all advertising material.
• There should be UK-wide regulation across all pet vendors, with clear definitions and a consistent approach such that rehoming centres, rescues, and sanctuaries are required to meet baseline standards.
• The Dangerous Wild Animals Act is inadequate. Licence applicants/holders should be required to meet a set of minimum standards, mirroring those required for zoos.
• All commercial importers of NTCAs should be licensed and required to meet minimum welfare standards during transport. Industry should develop a transport kitemark to provide assurances that welfare standards have been met throughout the journey.
• There should be an end to the import of wild-caught reptiles and amphibians for non-conservation reasons.
• Ultimately there should be a move away from the wild-capture of fish, alongside the further development of high-welfare captive-breeding programmes for those species of fish whose welfare needs can be met in the domestic environment. There should be improved regulation and traceability of the wild-caught fish trade, with a welfare-outcomes focus and supported by independent audit.
• Vet schools and veterinary nursing colleges should continue to embed the teaching of basic care for NTCAs within their curricula. At the time of graduation, all vets should be able to confidently handle the NTCA species most commonly seen in practice, advise on basic husbandry requirements, conduct a clinical examination, use the medicines Cascade appropriately, identify what it normal for the species, and provide first aid/pain relief and euthanasia.