A breeder of exotic pets has launched a legal battle to hold a reptile fair in Bradford.

Richard Brook, who breeds and sells animals from his home in Frizinghall, went to Court after environmental health officers threatened to ban the one-day sale. He plans to hold the event at the Dudley Hill and Tong Social Club on Sunday, October 26. It was expected to attract hundreds of reptile fanciers from across the country.

Bradford Council moved to block the event saying it would be unlawful because although Mr Brook is properly licensed to sell the animals, other stall-holders might not be.

The authority opposed Mr Brook's licence application at Bradford Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Mr Brook is fighting the case with the support of the International Herpetological Society, which views it as a test case. District Judge David Thomas reserved his judgement after hearing arguments for both sides and will rule on the matter on Wednesday. "These fairs are the only time our members can get together," Mr Brook said.

After the hearing David Clapham, environmental health officer for Bradford Council, said the authority had received 300 letters of complaint from animal-rights activists demanding the fair be banned. He said a previous event at the Tong social club drew a crowd of 300 people. On that occasion a trader was observed hawking three snakes in a pillowcase but was ejected after environmental health officials spotted him.

Heather Holmes, spokesman for the RSPCA, said the charity would support the strict stance taken by Bradford Council.

"We would be happy to see these one-day fairs banned as it makes it difficult for owners to get follow-up advice," she said.