Protecting Our Hobby: Welfare, The Five Freedoms, and Why “Positive Lists” Aren’t the Answer
The “Positive List” Threat: What You Need to Know
There is a growing push across the EU for “Positive Lists”—a system where only a tiny handful of “approved” species are legal to keep.
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The RRK Position: Responsible Reptile Keeping (RRK) and other advocacy groups argue that Positive Lists are unenforceable, scientifically flawed, and counter-productive. * The Danger: When a species is banned, it doesn’t disappear; it goes “underground.” This leads to owners being afraid to seek veterinary care, fueling a lack of transparency and poorer welfare outcomes.
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Action Link: RRK’s “Positive Lists Don’t Work” Guide
Welfare as Defense: The “Five Freedoms” in Irish Law
In Ireland, our best defense against restrictive bans is demonstrating that we are world-class keepers. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 is the standard we must live by. It is built on the Five Freedoms, but we should view these as the minimum starting point.
1. Freedom from Hunger & Thirst (Section 13)
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The Law: Access to wholesome water and food that meets “physiological needs.”
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Responsible Keeping: Using gut-loaded feeders and vitamins to ensure nutritional density.
2. Freedom from Discomfort (Section 11)
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The Law: A suitable environment including shelter.
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Responsible Keeping: This means 100% control over the Thermal Gradient. Using high-quality thermostats is not optional—it is a legal welfare requirement to prevent “thermal discomfort.”
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury, & Disease (Section 12)
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The Law: Prevention or rapid diagnosis of illness.
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Responsible Keeping: This requires specialized UVB lighting to prevent Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) and regular health checks. In Ireland, failing to treat a sick reptile is a criminal offense under “unnecessary suffering.”
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behavior (Section 11)
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The Law: Providing for “behavioral needs.”
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Responsible Keeping: RRK emphasizes Enrichment. A snake should be able to stretch out fully; a lizard should have room to forage. If your enclosure prevents natural movement, you are technically in breach of Section 11.
5. Freedom from Fear & Distress (Section 12)
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The Law: Conditions that avoid mental suffering.
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Responsible Keeping: Providing enough “security” (multiple hides) so the animal never feels exposed.
Buying & Selling: Staying Above Board
To protect the community’s reputation, we must follow the 2019 Sale or Supply of Pet Animals Regulations:
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Traceability: If you sell 6+ animals a year, you must register with the DAFM.
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Age Limits: No sales to anyone under 16.
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Ads: All online ads must include the animal’s age, origin, and your registration number (if applicable).
How to Support the Community
The future of reptile keeping in Ireland depends on us proving that Responsible Keeping = High Welfare. 1. Join RRK: Stand with an organization that uses science to fight misinformation. Join here.
2. Education over Bans: Support the “Responsible Reptile Keeping” campaign to show that educated keepers provide better lives for animals than a government-mandated list ever could.
3. Record Keeping: Keep a “Welfare Log” for your animals. If an inspector ever visits, showing records of temps, sheds, and feeds proves you are a responsible keeper under the 2013 Act.