Activity: Talk or presentation types › Invited talk
Description
The keeping of exotic pets, including reptiles and amphibians (herptiles), has increased markedly in the UK over recent decades, raising ongoing questions about how legal, ethical, and welfare guidance applies to these species. This webinar presents an overview of doctoral research examining the herptile trade in England, with a particular focus on how existing regulatory frameworks relate to considerations of animal welfare in practice. Drawing on empirical data from across the trade, the talk will outline the current legal landscape governing exotic pet keeping, identify areas of regulatory ambiguity or absence, and explore how these gaps may contribute to welfare vulnerability for non-traditional companion animals. By situating exotic pet keeping within broader discussions of human–animal relationships, responsibility, and care, the session will offer practitioners, academics, and interested members of the public a grounded understanding of both the opportunities and challenges associated with exotic companion animals.