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Last week, Liberal MPP Lucille Collard tabled Bill 236, Captive Wildlife Protection Act, to create basic standards and a licensing requirement for individuals and “roadside zoos” that keep exotic animals in captivity. Endorsed by World Animal Protection (WAP) and the Toronto Zoo, the bill is intended to improve animal welfare and public safety.
Currently, anyone can keep a tiger, lion, venomous snake, or other dangerous animals in their home or start a zoo without professional training, adequate financing, or appropriate facilities. This leads to dangerous and cruel conditions putting both animals and the public at risk.
The proposed legislation:
Introduces mandatory licensing for zoos with requirements such as proof of financial resources and emergency preparedness plans;
Allows for annual inspections to enforce high standards of care and safety;
Prohibits the use of wild animals for entertainment purposes (e.g. petting sessions, photo opportunities and performances that compromise their welfare); and
Establishes penalties and annual reporting.
If passed, the bill would establish provincial oversight in an area where there has been none bringing Ontario in line with other Canadian provinces. Roadside zoos and other captive wildlife facilities and operations would be required to operate in accordance with the Act, as well as other legislation or regulation including a municipal by-law.
Municipalities are doing the best they can in the absence of province-wide regulation. It is very easy for operations to pick up and move from one municipality into another. Municipalities have struggled, often for months or years, to deal with non-native wild animal issues and have experienced substantive regulatory, administrative, enforcement, and financial challenges.
Earlier this year, World Animal Protection, with the support of AMCTO and other municipal associations, launched a campaign for municipalities to help advocate for a provincial regime to restrict the keeping of exotic wild animals in Ontario. There is still time to participate, brief your council and show your support.