News - International Herpetological Society

The Truth About APA’s Recent Claims

Written on September 11, 2025.

We are pleased to report that the council raised no major concerns following our August reptile show. A follow-up meeting is scheduled soon to discuss further improvements moving forward.

Important Announcement – November Show Update

Written on September 11, 2025.

After much discussion and careful consideration, the International Herpetology Society has made the difficult decision not to run the planned November show.

Another Blow to APAs Smear Campaign

Written on August 12, 2025.

Thank You to North West Bylines for Retraction of Inaccurate Article

Request for Amendments to Article by North West Bylines

Written on August 5, 2025.

Response Regarding North West Online Article published 5th August 2025

A Step Toward Truth: That’s TV Lancashire Retracts Inaccurate Video Featuring APAs Elaine Toland

Written on July 31, 2025.

We welcome the recent and responsible decision by That’s TV Lancashire to retract their Facebook video segment featuring Elaine Toland of Animal Protection Agency.

Response to Recent Claims Regarding the Norbreck Castle Hotel Event

Written on July 24, 2025.

The International Herpetological Society (IHS) strongly refutes the misleading and factually inaccurate claims made in the recent press release by the Animal Protection Agency (APA) and associated organisations concerning our upcoming event at the Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool, on 10th August...

June Show – CANCELLED

Written on June 11, 2025.

We are disappointed to announce the short notice cancellation of our planned June 22nd show, which was due to be held at Woodbank Garden Centre. The council indirectly threatened the venue. If the event takes place, they may retract their various licences. This is due to unjust pressure from...

PRESS RELEASE – Animal Activist Groups Use Bully Tactics Once Again

Written on June 10, 2025.

Animal rights organisations have once again launched a campaign against a long-standing, legal event which was due to be held at Woodbank Garden Centre — despite the event meeting all regulatory and welfare standards and operating within the law. The controversy stems from a breeders’ meet...

Phone Line / Table Bookings

Written on February 10, 2025.

Our phone line will be back operational on 20th February. We apologise for this taking longer than expected due to issues with transferring from Virgin Media.

Memberships & 2025 Show Info

Written on February 10, 2025.

Memberships will begin to be processed from tomorrow. We thank you for your patience during this time. REMINDER – Anyone who booked in April 2024 will automatically be transferred to 22nd June 2025 show. However you must ensure your membership is renewed (if not already done so). If in...

April Show 2024 – Cancelled

Written on March 22, 2024.

Unfortunately we have to inform that the April show has being cancelled. We have been informed by the venue that this is due to an access requirement issue that they hoped would have been resolved by now.

Doreen Brook Obituary

Written on May 15, 2023.

Update 23/05/2023 – Funeral Details For those who may wish to attend Doreen’s funeral it will be on the 9th June at 12.40 at Nab Wood Crematorium, Bingley Rd, Shipley, BD18 4BG. There will be a light buffet after at the Bank Field Hotel which is about 800 yrds from the...

Important statement from the I.H.S.

Written on April 7, 2022.

Our contracts with Doncaster racecourse expire with the June show this year,

Monkfield Nutrition Feeder Mice Recall

Written on December 15, 2021.

Below is important information that may affect keepers of snakes and other carnivore. Please read carefully.

September Tables Available!

Written on June 23, 2021.

Due to being able to secure additional space at the racecourse, we are able to offer our JUNE show table holders the option of moving their tables to the SEPTEMBER show.

Cites Correspondence

Written on December 4, 2020.

Dear all, This week marks one month to go until the end of the Brexit transition period.

Mark O’Shea – MBE

Written on October 12, 2020.

In this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List ex IHS President Professor Mark O’Shea has been recognised for his services to Higher Education, Zoology, Reptile Conservation and Snakebite Research by the award of an MBE.

Introducing the IHS Marketplace!

Written on July 24, 2020.

We have decided to go digital and remove adverts from the newsletter and move them into the website.

IMPORTANT NOTICE – BANNED MORPHS

Written on June 19, 2020.

Updated list of morphs not allowed to be traded/sold at the shows.

Herptile Articles And Free Memberships

Written on April 8, 2020.

We have made the decision to change the Herptile rules. They are now as follows…

CITES Update

Written on January 27, 2020.

We received the following update from DEFRA today. Should anyone require clarification or have questions PLEASE CALL DEFRA directly. The Society does not have any information to enable us to answer any queries.

2024/2025 Member Discounts

Written on January 13, 2020.

Below you’ll find which companies offer IHS members exclusive discounts in their online and physical stores.

Reptile Related Charities And Rescue Centres

Written on January 25, 2019.

The IHS is pleased to announce, starting with our June 2019 Breeders Meeting we will be providing – FREE of CHARGE, one table, for a maximum of Three Reptile Related charities or Rescue Centres per show.

The Tell Diaries

Written on January 16, 2019.

Latest update – this picture was posted today (16th Jan 2019) of Tell by Eileen.

Fundraiser for Tell

Written on October 4, 2018.

On Wednesday October 2, 2018 our friend and world renowned wildlife artist Tell Hicks suffered a devastating fall that fractured his neck, resulting in Tell being completely paralysed.