New regulation for exotic animal ownership
Environment Minister Barry Penner is reminding B.C. residents who own an exotic animal, or are thinking of purchasing one, that they should be applying for a permit in order to keep that animal.
New regulations and permit application requirements come into effect on April 1, 2010 to regulate the ownership of the most dangerous exotic animals such as:
· Tigers
· Lions
· Venomous and poisonous snakes
· Other large reptiles
Minister Penner introduced amendments to the Wildlife Act after a young woman was killed by a captive tiger near 100 Mile House in 2007. The amendments were passed in 2008 and allowed for a new controlled alien species regulation.
All owners of controlled alien species (animals that are not native to B.C.) require a permit by April 1, 2010. Permits are available for application now. After April 1, it will be illegal to possess a controlled alien species without a permit.
The controlled alien species regulation protects the public while also ensuring that recognized institutions can continue to possess these animals. The BC SPCA, the Union of BC Municipalities and the Office of the Chief Coroner all have requested the control of alien species.
The permit applications require anyone who has captive, exotic animals to submit animal welfare and public safety plans, explaining how they intend to ensure public safety and care for their animals. In addition to these plans, people who have any animal listed as a controlled alien species will need to submit recent photographs of their animals and their animal enclosures, and provide proof that their animal was in B.C. on March 16, 2009 when the first phase of the controlled alien species regulation came into effect.
B.C. residents who do not obtain a permit for their exotic animal can be fined up to $250,000 and/or face a maximum of two years in prison, and the animal could be seized.
To obtain a permit for a controlled alien species, go to: .
To get a full list of the species covered, go to: .
For more information about the regulation itself, go to: .
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