100,000 ‘deadly’ reptile pets in Ireland

Ireland is home to 100,000 reptile pets, including deadly snakes and crocodiles.

Kevin Cunningham, director of the National Exotic Animal Sanctuary (NEAS), says there is also a huge trade in dangerous insects, such as tarantulas and scorpions, which are being posted or into the country, or brought by courier. There is no legislation to stop the trade in pets capable of injurying.

“I would say we have tipped 100,000 reptiles in Ireland — lizards, terrapins, tortoises, snakes,” said Mr Cunningham. “People don’t realise this, because the majority of these kinds of animals are kept in bedrooms or apartments.”