New Private Member's Bill aims to control exotic animals in Ontario

2010-11-20

The keeping of exotic animals by private citizens, particularly animal species not native to Canada is increasingly popular, but often these animal custodians find themselves unable to care for animals properly. Historically municipal by-laws have been the only vehicle for the regulation of exotic animals in Ontario, but exotic animal by-laws are far from common.

On November 1st, MPP Dave Levac (Brant) introduced a new Private Member’s Bill, The Exotic Wildlife in Captivity Act, in the Ontario Legislature. The Bill will give the Minister of Natural Resources the ability to regulate the ownership, breeding and acquisition of exotic wildlife by private citizens. Anyone wishing to own exotic wildlife will be required to apply for a licence, provide the animals with proper care and accommodation, keep the public safe from danger and surrender the animals to the Minister should they fail in any of these duties.

"This legislation is a long time coming," Mr. Levac said, "Some ‘independent zoo operators’ and individuals bring exotic animals into Ontario and treat them inhumanely. They receive little to no veterinary care, and are often exploited for profit. As well, these wild animals pose a safety threat, both to their owners, as we have seen from a rash of attacks in recent years, and to the general public if they escape from what are often limited and poorly constructed containment spaces."

"This Bill is not aimed at responsible pet owners who have a snake, for example," said Levac, "It is aimed at those who abuse and exploit their animals, and at custodians that own animals that pose a threat to public safety should they escape. The Bill gives the Ministry the power to make a list of animals that would be subject to these provisions, and I am sure the Ministry will engage in wide public consultations when determining which animals should be included."

Zoocheck Canada, the World Society for the Protection of Animals and other animal advocacy groups have worked for years to address this issue, but, so far, the province has not acted in a proactive, comprehensive matter to deal with it. At the present time, anyone can still acquire exotic wild animals, even if they lack the knowledge, experience, expertise and finances to house and care for them humanely and safely.

Ontario is the only province that lacks laws, regulations or policies aimed at controlling the keeping of exotic animals . This is a serious animal welfare and public safety problem. The Bill will restrict ownership of dangerous exotic wildlife to professional zoos and set limits on who can keep exotic wild animals in captivity and under what conditions.

The Bill passed first reading on November 1st, and Mr. Levac hopes to have it enshrined in law before the next provincial election.

Click here to read Bill 125.