An amphibian and reptile club has hit back at claims made by a welfare charity that it does not look after its animals correctly at its exhibitions.

The Amphibian and Reptile Club (ARC), which holds meet-ups in venues across Kent, is refuting allegations made against them by the Animal Protection Agency (APA).

Last month, an event planned at Leigh Academy Rainham was cancelled at the 11th hour when venue hosts Vivify Venues withdrew permission for use of the site after they were contacted by the APA.

The APA, an organisation committed to ceasing the trade in wildlife for pets, claims "animal welfare cannot be safeguarded in temporary and makeshift environments".

It has accused such markets of having animals “displayed and sold in small, plastic, takeaway tubs” where they are denied “basic welfare requirements”.

But Marwan (Marv) Elbour, who set up his exhibitions in 2023 as a way of uniting fellow “reptile-loving nerds” and sharing knowledge, said his events are nothing like reptile markets of the past, or those described by the APA.

“We do things differently and recognise that things were not done well historically,” he said.

“We go to great lengths to ensure animal welfare.”

Addressing issues such as the fact they are taken to venues in small containers without water, Marv said animals don’t need water whilst they are being transported as they have been “watered” already and if it spilled it would make their environment uncomfortable.

He claims, whilst they are only enclosed for a short time, they actually enjoy being in small spaces and will often hide in the tiniest place they can find in their enclosures at home.

Marv claimed the APA uses photos from old events to “mislead the public” and “further their propaganda”.

He fears that by attacking such events the group is merely taking the shows underground.

Marv said: “Having reptile vets, enthusiasts and experts attend the shows ensures that high welfare standards are maintained.

“I am not frightened of scrutiny.” he added.

“The reptile community will show you what to do and if you don’t take their advice you will be outed online and the whole community will shut you down.

“We hold each other accountable.”

But a spokeswoman for the APA said investigation of footage from a recent event at Ashford International Hotel showed the “very poor conditions for animals that are typical of reptile markets”.

Ashford Borough Council confirmed it has received an allegation that businesses were selling animals as pets at a stall in a market (event), which is a potential offence under the Pet Animals Act 1951.

A spokesman said: “We are currently investigating the allegation.”

The APA stresses that reptiles are wild, non-domesticated animals that do not adapt to captive conditions and so are more easily stressed in certain environments.

But Marv, who lives in Plumstead, south-east London, points to the fact his pet lizard, a peach-throated monitor, just had a baby on her own, a process called Parthenogenesis.

He claims this proves her conditions were prime for birthing and show she suffered no lasting stress.

The 30-year-old is supported by Responsible Reptile Keeping, a membership organisation which aims to promote, support and protect responsible reptile keeping.

Spokesman Tony Wigley said: “The APA takes small pieces of information and blows it up to sensationalise it and ignore everything to the contrary.”

Since Marv first became interested in reptiles and amphibians when he was 15-years-old, he said he has used available research and other specialists’ experiences to help care for the animals.

The secondary school science teacher is hoping to pass on his knowledge to the younger generation and is surrounded by 30 reptile enclosures (Vivariums) in his classroom.

His pupils are responsible for looking after them once they have researched each breed meticulously and decided which one they would like to nurture.

“It’s about educating people on how to look after these animals,” he said.