A council ‘acted properly’ by preventing an exotic pet market from taking place, according to a High Court ruling.
Arun District Council had faced legal action from the event organisers after it urged Fontwell Park Racecourse to cancel the market due to concerns over the ‘substantial risk’ of unlawful activity.
Before the event, the Animal Protection Agency (APA) had warned the council unlawful animal trading was likely to take place at the event. It welcomed the ruling and said it would be continuing its investigation work into future reptile and amphibian markets.
In ruling, Mrs Justice McGowan said: ‘Warning an organisation such as the racecourse that its premises might be hosting an event at which unlawful activity might take place is an entirely proper course to have taken.’
‘The court's judgment upholds Arun Council's responsible actions to prevent illegal activity and ensure that animal welfare legislation is upheld,’ said APA’s director Elaine Toland.
‘This latest judgment will enhance our work to ensure that the poor treatment of pet animals in temporary markets will soon be a thing of the past.’
