The woman behind a Dunedin pet show dubbed a ‘Willy Wonka experience’ by attendees, says she has been cleared of poor animal welfare accusations – and is contemplating the event’s return. 

The Exotic Pet Expo ran at Forrester Park in July, and was advertised online as a showcase for reptiles, aquatics, amphibians, birds/poultry, mice, rats, chinchillas, rabbits, cats, and guinea pigs. 

It promised attendees the opportunity to “learn about proper husbandry” of different introduced animals in New Zealand, and to “support local rescues, reputable breeders, and small businesses”.

But it was hit with allegations on social media that some advertised stalls and animals were nowhere to be seen; and those on display were poorly supervised, in unsafe conditions, and being roughly handled. 

One member of the public went as far to label the event as Otago’s version of the viral Willy Wonka Experience, which took place earlier this year in Glasgow. 

The SPCA launched an investigation. 

One stall holder claimed a lack of supervision at many of the animal stalls resulted in “inadequate attention to the welfare of both the animals and the public”.

All allegations were refuted by organiser, Amelia Seales, who believed she was the victim of a false online hate campaign. 

Seales acknowledged at the time there were “a few little hands” handling the animals roughly, but volunteers were quick to correct them and teach the proper and safe ways to do so. 

She believed complaints stemmed from people whose “own kids were rough with the animals”, and people “with nothing better to do than try bring [her] down”, because “that’s what happens in Dunedin”.

Seales also stated the absence of some advertised stalls were due to Covid, while others pulled out after seeing negative social posts, and did not want “ruin their businesses”.

The SPCA says the investigation sparked by complaints is closed - but due to privacy reasons would not comment further. 

Seales told Newstalk ZB that the animal welfare organisation sent her an initial email outlining the complaints it had received in July, which our newsroom has seen. 

She said a staff member spoke to her over the phone detailing the allegations, but “nothing came out of it”.

“They closed their investigation, and didn’t find any concerns”.

Seales maintained she “never really had any concerns” herself, and the offer remains for the SPCA to do a home visit and see her rescue operations first-hand. 

“They know me anyway and how experienced I am with exotic animals... we’re happy with how it was left.” 

Seales said the conclusion of the Exotic Pet Show investigation was validating for her, after the “quite horrible” experience of public scrutiny she went through. 

She remained disappointed that attendees did not like this year’s expo. 

Seales said she had received a warm response to her event in previous years and “nothing had really changed” in this year’s iteration. 

“We definitely didn’t have any animal abuse... I love animals and all exotics and I’m very passionate about them.” 

She believed some attendees’ reaction stemmed from a misunderstanding about her operations. 

Seales said a lot of the Expo’s animal housing was temporary for show, and “it is not how they are kept” in her rescue. 

“They have large tanks and enclosures and everything, set up for permanent housing here.” 

Despite Seales’ disappointment at how this year’s event had unfolded, she has not ruled out a return next year. 

She said the backlash had slightly soured her thoughts on organising another Exotic Pet Show in 2025, but confirmed she is contemplating on whether to work on something “bigger and better, or just leave it as it is”. 

Seales confirmed she would “definitely look at changing” how she does things, if she were to return – including increased numbers of volunteers.