POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2026) — Animal advocates with In Defense of Animals, Rescue Not Retail, Los Angeles Animal Save, Animal Alliance Network, and the Los Angeles Animal Defense League drew public attention on Saturday outside the Reptile Super Show at the Pomona Fairplex, displaying signs with images of animals reportedly found in garbage bags at a prior Reptile Super Show. Advocates also shared information with attendees about hidden cruelties in the exotic pet trade, encouraging them to adopt animals from local reptile rescue organizations instead of buying animals at reptile shows.

WATCH: Demonstration at the January 2026 Reptile Super Show

Throughout the event, advocates engaged with hundreds of show attendees, distributing hundreds of educational flyers in both English and Spanish. The materials provided information about the suffering endured by animals sold at reptile expos, the risks to public health and wildlife, and the importance of adopting animals from reputable rescues rather than purchasing them from pet shows. Attendees responded overwhelmingly positively, with many expressing appreciation for the information and asking follow-up questions about reptile care and adoption.

The Reptile Super Show confines snakes, lizards, tortoises, frogs, and other animals to cramped plastic containers and cages, where they are treated as merchandise rather than living beings. These events fuel the exotic pet trade, an industry linked to wildlife trafficking, biodiversity loss, and widespread animal suffering. Reptiles and amphibians sold at expos are generally not protected under federal animal welfare laws, leaving them especially vulnerable to neglect, injury, and premature death.

Advocates also raised awareness about ongoing legal and public health concerns at reptile expos, including the frequent illegal sale of turtles and tortoises with shells under four inches in length, despite the risk of salmonella transmission, particularly to children. 

Many attendees were surprised to learn that some tortoises can live over 100 years, challenging the common misconception that reptiles are “starter pets.”

“This outreach showed that when people are given accurate information, they care deeply about animals and want to make compassionate choices,” said Lisa Levinson, Campaigns Director of In Defense of Animals. “We had meaningful conversations throughout the day, and many attendees thanked us for sharing adoption resources and helping them better understand the reality behind these shows.”

Animals discarded by vendors following the January 2025 Reptile Super Show. Photo: In Defense of Animals

“We are deeply concerned about reports of deceased and dying animals discarded in trash bags at a prior Reptile Super Show,” said Justine Block, attorney and organizer with Rescue Not Retail. “We ask that local residents contact the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors urging them to investigate and end these horrific, exotic animal shows in our county.”

Participating organizations and advocates called for an end to the sale of animals at expos and urged the public to support adoption, rescue, and stronger protection for animals exploited by the pet trade.

Over 10,000 members of the public have urged the Pomona Fairplex to stop hosting animal expos and the L.A. County Board of Supervisors to ban them.

Members of the public are encouraged to learn more and take action at: https://www.idausa.org/reptiles

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Discarded animals images and video: https://bit.ly/3YttIBi  

Contacts:

*  Lisa Levinson, In Defense of Animals lisa@idausa.org 215-620-2130

*  Michael Angelo Torres, In Defense of Animals michaelangelo@idausa.org 415-425-2847

*  Justine Block, Rescue Not Retail justine@rescuenotretail-us.org 310-927-4341

In Defense of Animals is an international animal rescue and protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a history of defending animals, the environment, and their guardians through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, rural Mississippi, and California, since 1983. www.idausa.org

Rescue Not Retail is a grassroots campaign to advocate against cruelty in the U.S. pet industry, and support animal rescue organizations. instagram.com/rescuenotretail.us

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