Long queue for animal show
A major reptile show at Kidderminster was today hailed as an overwhelming success by organisers – despite claims by animal rights campaigners that it had been gatecrashed by commercial traders.
More than 1,000 people queued for the event at the Forest Glades Leisure Centre in Kidderminster yesterday.
Wyre Forest council bosses had warned commercial traders to stay away from the show which was given the go ahead provided it was for amateur enthusiasts only.
But members of the Animal Protection Agency (APA) today claimed the exhibition had still attracted dealers out to make a profit. Elaine Toland, of the APA, said members would be seeking talks with the council about the show. She said: "We feared there would be commercial traders at the event which is why we approached the council in the first place.
"This is what happened and there were traders at the site.
"Discussions will be organised with the council."
The West Midland Reptile Society said the majority of people who flocked to the show were families who just wanted to enjoy the exhibits and talk to fellow enthusiasts.
They said the show had broken no rules and animal activitists were welcome to see what it entailed.
