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A reptile expert has been assured that he can take his huge lizards for a walk in Markeaton Park despite claiming he had been told not to bring them back.

Gary Smith, of Sinfin, said he was left perplexed when he was told he could not walk his pets in the summer.

The 53-year-old claims Markeaton Park rangers escorted him out, stating he could not bring them back.

He says they stated his animals were too dangerous but that he had taken all the necessary precautions and "knew what he was doing when it comes to his creatures".

Staff at Derby City Council have now said they did not have a specific policy on lizards, or any animals entering their parks, and as long as the animal is under control it would be allowed in the park.

What happened when he took his lizards to the park?

(Image: Derbyshire Live)

Gary said he took three lizards to Markeaton Park last summer.

He said: "I was down there one day in the summer with three of my Argentine Tegus and I got told to leave. I was escorted off the park by one of the park ranger council guys.

"When I asked why, they said it was because it was a dangerous animal.

"I turned around and said you have got dangerous Rottweilers and Alsations, in the park but no, it wasn't good enough and I had to leave.

"I've set up my own little business now and I do children's parties, private parties, charity events and fund-raisers."

Why reptiles and what damage do they cause?

Gary has a number of different lizards including Black-throated Monitor, Argentine Tegus and Bearded Dragons.

Two of his three bedrooms in his house are taken up by the creatures and he has a collection of lizards, snakes, and other reptiles as well as spiders.

(Image: Derbyshire Live)

When he claimed the council stopped him from walking his lizards, he responded by setting up his business "Gary's Reptile Experience".

He said: "I just love these kinds of animals and I want to be able to show them to kids and adults who have an interest to bring the experience to life for them.

"I am covered in scratches and if they dig their claws in they would really do some damage.

"They crawl up your body as well or they will dig them in your head.

"Cedric (the black-throated Monitor) can run like the clappers. He uses his tail for defence and messes (does his business) on you. And if that doesn't work, he will bite you and you don't want to get bitten by one of them.

"He feeds on rats, chicks and fruit in the week and then on Sunday he has steak."

What precautions do you take and what advice would you give to others?

He said: "When I take the lizards out, I make sure there are no dogs about, as the first thing the lizards will do is whack them with their tail. I tend to take them down the park when it is quiet.

"I have had people turn around in the cars, even the police have turned around and come back as they cannot believe what they have seen.

"If he got out I would never get him back he would be off like a shot, but that is why I take such care in making sure his harness is fully fastened.

"You have got to do plenty of work with them, you have got to interact with them everyday.

"He's under control, I know what I am doing. I don't put him in any situations that are going to cause distress to him or other people or their animals. I keep them well away from other animals and walk the other way."

(Image: Derbyshire Live)

"If you get them young bring them up and treat them right and then you will be alright, but they do need plenty of TLC and plenty of food."

What does the city council say?

A spokesman from the authority said: "Derby City Council does not have a specific policy on lizards in public places and, as long as the animal is under control, then it would be allowed in the park.

“We would not provide any general advice on exotic animals as they are all have very different needs.”

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