ANIMAL WATCH – Anaheim residents, inspired by West Hollywood’s historic pet sales ban adopted on Monday, have intensified their call for Anaheim to stop hosting the Reptile Super Show, a massive expo where thousands of animals are bought and sold. Held annually at the Anaheim Convention Center, the event is dangerous to animals, biodiversity, and public health.
On Saturday, twenty demonstrators backed by In Defense of Animals and Animal Alliance Network held signs, distributed 250 flyers, and urged visitors to adopt reptiles from shelters and rescues instead of supporting the harmful exotic animal trade. Over 280 Orange County residents have already contacted the City Council urging a ban on the sale and display of exotic animals.
“The Reptile Super Show exploits animals for profit, subjecting them to cramped, unhealthy conditions and extreme stress,” said Lisa Levinson, Campaigns Director at In Defense of Animals. “West Hollywood’s historic ban shows it is possible to protect animals and public health through broad sales restrictions. We urge Anaheim to follow suit and take a stand against these harmful events which exploit animals and spread zoonotic diseases.”
Protesters are calling on the Anaheim City Council to act swiftly and pass a ban like West Hollywood’s, which now has the nation’s most comprehensive animal sales ban. Instead of supporting the harmful exotic animal trade, Anaheim animal retailers and enthusiasts could promote adoption from overwhelmed shelters and rescues, giving homes to animals who are already waiting…