Caring for the Unconventional: Exotic Pets, Policy, & Welfare Vulnerability

Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS)

Abstract:The keeping of exotic pets, including reptiles and amphibians (herptiles), has increased markedly in the UK over recent decades, raising ongoing questions about how legal, ethical, and welfare guidance applies to these species. This webinar presents an overview of doctoral research examining the herptile trade in England, with a particular focus on how existing regulatory frameworks relate to considerations of animal welfare in practice. Drawing on empirical data from across the trade, the talk will outline the current legal landscape governing exotic pet keeping, identify areas of regulatory ambiguity or absence, and explore how these gaps may contribute to welfare vulnerability for non-traditional companion animals. By situating exotic pet keeping within broader discussions of human–animal relationships, responsibility, and care, the session will offer practitioners, academics, and interested members of the public a grounded understanding of both the opportunities and challenges associated with exotic companion animals.Speaker:Dr Helen Tedds is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Welfare at Hartpury University, Gloucestershire, where she leads the MSc in Animal Welfare, Policy, and Legislation. With over 20 years’ experience in the animal welfare discipline, her work sits at the intersection of policy, ethics, and human–animal relationships, with a particular interest in non-traditional companion animals. Her doctoral research examined the herptile trade in England, focusing on the regulatory context surrounding reptile and amphibian keeping and how legal frameworks are interpreted in practice. Alongside her research, Helen is passionate about supporting students to critically engage with animal welfare and policy knowledge, and to understand how this can be applied meaningfully within advocacy, practice, and wider societal debates.

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Caring for the Unconventional: Exotic Pets, Policy, & Welfare Vulnerability

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Caring for the Unconventional: Exotic Pets, Policy, & Welfare Vulnerability

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