GREEN councillors have spoken out against plans to sell animals at a Morecambe DIY superstore.

Do It All was given permission to sell animals such as birds, rabbits, lizards and snakes at a planning meeting last week despite strong protests from local Greens and independents.

The DIY chain has 40 outlets throughout the country selling animals and pets but Green leader Jon Barry says the move is bad news for the animals.

He said: "As a council we should be standing up to these big businesses. Allowing Do IT All to sell animals is bad news for animals and bad news for small pet shops. I'm horrified that animals are to be sold as a supermarket commodity. I was also disappointed that the proposal was not thrown out by the planning committee. Instead of people being tempted into an impulse buy of a packet of crisps they could be going home with a live animal. Parents will come under a lot of pressure from their young children and I don't think we should be encouraging these impulse buys."

But Jill Gater of Do IT All said the premises would be licensed by the local environmental offices and would be inspected prior to opening.

She said: "Our pet outlets sell a range of animals from cage and aviary birds, small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, cold water and tropical fish and exotic animals such as small snakes, lizards and spiders. We do not consider any animal an impulse buy, our aim is to create responsible pet ownership and if we feel an animal is unsuitable for a customer we would advise them of that fact, regardless of losing the sale."

Do IT All added that care sheets would be provided with each sale and that they follow strict guidelines on animal welfare, stocking densities and the construction of cages.

What do you think of Do It All selling animals and pets? Send your views to our letters page.

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