A SWANSEA cosmetics branch has joined an anti-reptile captivity campaign.

Lush Cosmetics, in Whitewalls, said it was shocked to hear about the suffering involved in the capture, breeding, and confinement of reptiles after a meeting with UK group, the Animal Protection Agency.

A member of staff illustrated the company's distaste by clambering in a cage.

"The trade in reptiles is clearly out of control and countless animals are living short, miserable lives as a result," said Leonie Davies, Lush's campaigns manager.

"In terms of their need for sufficient space and a varied diet it is akin to spending the rest of your life in a toilet cubicle and having the same meal, every mealtime, pushed under the door.

"We hope that by raising the profile of this issue we can lessen the demand for reptiles as pets."