CAMPAIGNERS in Cheltenham set out to prove it is bad karma to keep a chameleon.

Staff at the Lush store in Regent Arcade kicked off a national campaign by the cosmetics chain against keeping lizards as pets.

One employee dressed as a chameleon and spent the afternoon inside a small cage to convince passers-by that reptiles are wild animals and should never be domesticated.

Leonie Davies, Lush's campaign manager, said: "The trade in reptiles is clearly out of control and countless animals are living short, miserable lives as a result. We hope that by raising the profile of this important issue through our stores we can lessen the demand for reptiles as pets."

The campaign is backed by the Animal Protection Agency. Spokeswoman Elaine Toland said: "Life for many captive reptiles is unimaginable. 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."