In the News
"Prince Rupert ban on exotic animals may inadvertently hit the circus"
(Copyright National Post 2007)
A proposed bylaw banning exotic animals such alligators, apes and venomous snakes could effectively outlaw the circus, Prince Rupert city councillors said this week. A circus has visited the city annually for the past couple of years, with a show that includes performances by elephants. Under the proposed bylaw, that would end. Not every councillor seemed thrilled by that idea. "When we were discussing this bylaw, it certainly was not my intent to stop any business from coming in to town," said Councillor Kathy Bedard. "My concern was more around the personal ownership of exotic animals rather than circuses. If I have concerns, it's around that." Animals on the exotic species list include alligators, apes, bats and bears, beavers, porcupines, wolves, raccoons, venomous snakes, boas, pythons, venomous turtles, frogs and even hedgehogs.