Media ScanExotic Animals In The News
"4 zebras die at Greater Vancouver Zoo"
Four zebras have died at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, prompting an investigation by the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Read More » CBC News. Monday April 29, 2009.
"B.C. slaps ban on exotics as pets"
Strict new rules banning the ownership of many exotic pets are being hailed by the Greater Vancouver Zoo. This week, provincial environment minister Barry Penner announced the new regulations covering non-native species.
Read More » Matthew Claxton. Langley Advance: Mar 20, 2009.
"Swedish study: Belligerent chimp with stash of rocks proves animals make plans"
According to a report in the journal Current Biology, the 31-year-old alpha male started building his weapons cache in the morning before the zoo opened, collecting rocks and knocking out disks from concrete boulders inside his enclosure.
Read More » Malin Rising. Whitehorse Star. Whitehorse, Y.T.: Mar 9, 2009. pg. 15
"Siegfried and Roy take final bow in Vegas"
The brief charity show saw Roy Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher side by side with Montecore, the massive white tiger that brutally mauled Horn during a 2003 performance.
Read More » Anonymous. Trail Times. Trail, B.C.: Mar 2, 2009. pg. 8
"Congress moves swiftly to ban monkey trade"
Prompted by the mauling of a Connecticut woman last week by a pet chimpanzee, the U. S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly yesterday to ban interstate trade of apes and monkeys.
By a 323-95 vote, the House approved the legislation that aims to cut off easy access to the animals, which are sought for household companions.
"Images of Curious George and Koko may lead us to believe that these creatures are cuddly and harmless," said Nick Rahall, chairman of the House natural resources committee, referring to the famous children's book chimpanzee and gorilla who learned sign language.
"But last week's tragedy and other similar attacks stand as evidence that this is not the case -- that they are in fact wild animals and they simply must not be kept as pets."
Read More » Richard Cowan. National Post. Don Mills, Ont.: Feb 25, 2009. pg. A.1
"Say ... is that a parakeet in your pocket?"
"While we're looking for bad guys and terrorists, we're also enforcing 90 types of acts and legislations," says White, referring to the regulations and laws under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Read More » Lisa Monforton. Edmonton Journal. Edmonton, Alta.: Feb 21, 2009. pg. K.2
"Chimp shot after mauling woman; Raises questions about keeping exotic pets"
Travis, 14, a popular figure in town, had appeared in television commercials and often posed for photographs at the towing shop operated by his owners. While it was not clear what prompted the assault, Ms. Nash had markedly changed her hairstyle since the last time Travis had seen her, possibly leading him to mistake her for an intruder Ms. Herold tried to pull the chimp off.
Read More » Anonymous. National Post. Don Mills, Ont.: Feb 19, 2009. pg. A.2
"An exotic-animal champion has died"
Joe survived that, then dislocated his shoulder, which prevented him from heavy lifting, like toting road kills of deer that came in for the lions, tigers, panthers, cougars, jaguars, etc. -- maybe 20 big cats. [...] all survived: prairie dogs, Chinese geese that can't live outdoors, ducks, chickens, exotic pigs.
Read More » Peter Worthington. Whitehorse Star. Whitehorse, Y.T.: Jan 6, 2009. pg. 7
"The cruel fate of the exotic animal"
[...] the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources said wild boars can quickly establish a native population and it was unclear how many piglets might have been born after the animals escaped from the farmer's heavily snow-damaged fences.
Read More » Joe Banks. The Ottawa Citizen. Ottawa, Ont.: Nov 26, 2008. pg. C.4
"Newmarket adopts exotic animal ban"
"The Town of Newmarket is proud to provide a higher level of animal control," Mayor Tony Van Bynen said. "We hope to set an example for other municipalities to support a progressive approach to the protection and treatment of animals."
Read More » Teresa Latchford. Era - Banner. Newmarket, Ont.: Nov 6, 2008. pg. 1
"N.B. alpacas heading to Mideast..."
"The more than 2,500 animals in more than a 100 different species enjoy the latest in know-how for their comfort and well-being," Al Wabra's website says. "
This includes excellent veterinary care, laboratories, food kitchens, orphan nurseries, the best in natural and imported foods, air conditioning, artificial rains and involvement in international breeding programs."
Indeed, [Margot Roode] believes her pet alpacas will be spoiled silly. She has been in conversation with the Qatar farm to discuss shearing methods and dietary needs for the animals, and the Al Wabra is growing alphalpha to feed the animals instead of the fine hay they receive here. They will also receive a grain supplement, Roode said, as they do on her ranch.
As it has since 2003, Devine West Ranch will continue to run its farm with a roster of about 35 animals. The animals are only used for their fibre, which Roode says is sheared and sent to Ontario for processing. Roode has it knitted or woven into items for purchase, or the yarn can also be purchased by craftspeople.
Read More » Tammy Scott-Wallace. Telegraph-Journal. Saint John, N.B.: Nov 6, 2008. pg. C.6
"Police seek venomous snake that bit Winnipeg man"
A Winnipeg man is receiving medical treatment after being bitten by an African snake on Sunday.
A friend drove the 31-year-old St. Vital resident to hospital after he was bitten in the face by a gaboon viper around 6 p.m. Sunday, police said.
The man was knowledgeable about the snake, police said. He told hospital officials what had happened, and how much time they had to get antivenin to him. The antivenin was flown to Winnipeg from Toronto.
Read More » CBC News. Winnipeg, MB :October 20, 2008
"Papers filed to oust tiger from Highlands"
Court documents have been filed by the District of Highlands to begin the process of removing Suzy the tiger from her caged home in that municipality.
A petition filed Sept. 22, with the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver where the Highlands' law firm has its offices, asks the court to declare the tiger's owner in violation of animal control regulations.
Read More » Richard Watt. Times Columnist. Victoria, BC :September 27, 2008
"Tiger moves in, neighbours not amused"
Suzy the tiger relaxed in her new Highlands home yesterday forcing a showdown with municipal officials determined to uphold a new bylaw prohibiting such animals.
Read More » Richard Watt. Times Columnist. Victoria, BC :September 4, 2008
"Tiger pushes council to ban exotic pets"
"Highlands council yesterday introduced a bylaw banning exotic pets, following a public outcry over a resident's attempt to keep a tiger at his home."
"Mayor Mark Cardinal said council had little choice."
"It's not often that someone is proposing to house a Bengal tiger in your municipality," he said.
Read More » The Province. Vancouver, BC :Tuesday, August 26, 2008
"Animal rights activists protest circus"
"It's time that Kitchener-Waterloo passed a law prohibiting performing animal acts," said Robyn Maler, a CAAC member and PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo.
"It's not only a concern of the animal's safety," Maler said. "There are numerous cases of (circus) animals injuring trainers or breaking free."
"The question is whether or not you approve of the use of animals for entertainment," he said. "Certainly there are some circuses that treat animals poorly. Don't group us in there.
Read More » Greg MacDonald. Waterloo Chronicle. Waterloo, Ont.: Jun 25, 2008. pg. 6
"Wild/exotic animal acts should be stopped"
The Humane Society of the United States maintains that, in order to train and control these animals in the ring, methods such as beatings, electrical shock, solitary confinement, and denial of food and water are common practices.
To join our protests or to learn more about the plight of these animals, please go to our Facebook site: Oppose Circuses with animals in NB - Protest 2008 Julie Haggerty Hanwell, N.B.
Julie Haggerty. Daily Gleaner. Fredericton, N.B.: Jun 9, 2008. pg. C.7
"Strange animal identified "
There were coyotes in the paddock and they started to chase [Molly]. Ms. Nova thought Molly was caught by the pack of coyotes until she heard of Molly sightings.
Molly is still close to home. She's currently staying around a 10-acre property close to the farm. Every day at sunrise and sunset for the past two weeks Ms. Nova goes out looking for Molly.
Ms. Nova said she will not use a snare to trap Molly because her legs are fragile and could break easily. She may set out a wolf enclosure soon and try to attract Molly into it with her favourite fruits and vegetables, said Ms. Nova.
Read More » Melissa Mancini. This Week. Clarington, Oshawa, Port Perry, Whitby, Ont.: May 30, 2008. pg. 1
"Humane society has concerns about Animal Protection Act"
"By establishing the Animal Protection Act as prevailing legislation, the government will eliminate confusion between the acts and send a strong message to the public that they are serious about animal protection," the humane society submitted in its comments to the government.
Read More »
Jason Unrau. Whitehorse Star. Whitehorse, Y.T.: May 27, 2008. pg. 5
"Calgary zoo suspects toxins in water led to deaths of 34 prized stingrays"
The mass stingray deaths are just the latest blow for Calgary's zoo, which solicits millions of dollars in corporate donations from the wealthy energy companies headquartered in this southern Alberta city to bring in a wide variety of exotic animals.
Read More »
Anonymous. Prince George Citizen. Prince George, B.C.: May 14, 2008. pg. 26
"Police find little lost lion safe, hungry..."
[...] the "parents" could turn on their television just in time to see reports that their loveable six-month-old lion cub -- a bona fide member of the family -- is on the lam. Zoos can be licensed to have lions, but Quebec does not issue licenses for individuals to keep lions, or most other exotic animals, said Jocelyn Martel, chief wildlife officer at the Maniwaki office of the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife.
Read More »
Katie Daubs, Graham Hughes. The Ottawa Citizen. Ottawa, Ont.: May 2, 2008. p. F.1
"Circus animal bylaw set for adoption"
The long process of passing a bylaw to ban circuses featuring exotic animals from performing in the city is nearing an end.
Read More »
Anonymous. Prince George Citizen. Prince George, B.C.: Apr 30, 2008. pg. 3
"Snakes Alive! 36 snakes rounded up in apartment"
The City's pet bylaw allows some types of snakes to be kept as pets -- namely those that aren't dangerous. Unlike cats and dogs, there is no limit on the number of snakes that can be kept as pets in Oshawa, as long as they're permitted species.
"Pythons and boas like the ones we found aren't venomous, but they are constrictors," Ms. [Kathy Duncan] said. "That means they can wrap around you and squeeze you."
In addition to certain snakes, Oshawa's pet bylaw prohibits a wide range of other "exotic" animals, ranging from monkeys and pigs to spiders and crocodiles. Cows, elephants and giraffes are also not allowed.
Read More »
Jillian Follert. This Week. Clarington, Oshawa, Port Perry, Whitby, Ont.: Feb 28, 2008. pg. 1
"Council expected to restrict use of wild animals; Bylaw amendment would affect animal performances"
Council's standing committee on city services and budgets will consider a report next Thursday from the chief licence inspector urging passage of an an amendment to the business prohibition bylaw to further restrict the use of wild and exotic animals in performances.
The recommendation is meant to strengthen existing licensing bylaws, which already pertain to circuses and strip acts, and to help discourage inhumane treatment of exotic animals.
On Feb. 1, 2007, council approved in principle a prohibition on the use of exotic and wild animals in performances and other forms of entertainment, and instructed staff to report back on amendments to the city's bylaws.
Read More »
Larry Pynn. The Vancouver Sun. Vancouver, B.C.: Feb 8, 2008. pg. B.7
"Elephants not exotic, P.G. mayor contends"
"We talk about domestic animals and domesticated animals and farm animals in our country," he said. "Elephants are a domesticated animal in a very large portion of this world."
"We think that an elephant is an exotic animal that shouldn't be made to do things and I just can't agree with that," he continued. "In other cultures, it's a domesticated animal."
Read More »
Alaska Highway News. Fort St. John, B.C.: Nov 21, 2007. pg. A.3
"Prince Rupert ban on exotic animals may inadvertently hit the circus"
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.
Read More »
National Post. Don Mills, Ont.: Nov 17, 2007. p. A.8
"Police find venomous snake in drug bust"
"You don't want to mess with this one," he said, adding he's not sure whether the snake had its venom removed.
[Bob Johnson] said many owners don't take the proper storage precautions and don't keep the required anti-venom on hand in case of an emergency. Just last fall, he said, a St. Catharines owner was bitten by a similar viper, requiring him to arrange for an emergency delivery of anti-venom to the Buffalo airport.
Read More »
Mike Zettel. Niagara This Week. Thorold, Ont.: Sep 29, 2007. pg. 1
"Should governments regulate ownership of exotic pets?"
British Columbians were horrified, but likely not that surprised, at the news that a woman was mauled to death by a tiger at a zoo near 100-Mile House on May 10. As a result, it was reported last week that the province is looking to review its Wildlife Act to regulate the captivity of exotic pets. There are currently no provincial regulations on ownership of such animals and the SPCA can only seize exotic animals on the basis of neglect, not safety. Municipalities can restrict the ownership of animals by bylaw.
Read More »
Jesse Ferreras. North Shore News. North Vancouver, B.C.: May 25, 2007. pg. 10
"Ahead of the pack; B.C. has a higher awareness of animal rights than anywhere else in Canada."
"We go back into the mountains so we get bears and cougars descending down upon us," [Rob Dykstra] says. "We've got whales next to us in the ocean. I think the whole idea of wildlife is very prevalent here, and because of that it's very much in our consciousness. And because of our wild image and our frequent contacts and preoccupation, to some extent, with wild animals, whenever an animal is in distress, there's kind of a conflict presented. So when you have that conflict, you have a story."
"In what other big city in Canada do people live with back fences that back right onto a park?" he says. "We're in the faces of animals all the time. And as a result of that interface and sometimes conflict, they're a major part of the fabric of our community."
Read More »
Nicholas Read. The Vancouver Sun. Vancouver, B.C.: May 24, 2007. pg. B.3
"Tiger killed after fatal attack on B.C. woman; Animal owner used to live here"
[Kim Carlton] wasn't home on Thursday night when [Tania Dumstrey-Soos], saying "good-night" to Gangus [the tiger], was apparently killed with a single paw swipe that severed a leg artery. Dumstrey-Soos' son, 14, and Carlton's 15-year-old son tried to stem the bleeding while they waited for an ambulance, but Dumstry-Soos was pronounced dead at the hospital.
"The tiger wasn't outside the cage and she wasn't inside it. I guess the structure of the cage allowed it," said 100 Mile House RCMP Cpl. Scott Ksionzyck of the attack, adding the cage was a chain- link enclosure.
Read More »
Tricia Leslie. Abbotsford Times. Abbotsford, B.C.: May 15, 2007. pg. 4
"Lions and lizards on city's list: Trying to curb the trade in exotic wildlife"
If council approves the recommendation Feb. 1, Vancouver will join Langley, Richmond, Surrey, Abbotsford, New Westminster, the City and District of North Vancouver and 12 communities outside the Lower Mainland in what has become a growing campaign by local jurisdictions to curb the trade in exotic pets.
Cam McOuat, a co-owner of Aquariums West pet store on Burrard, said while he supports a ban on the sale of large and dangerous animals, such as pythons and crocodiles, the new law will do nothing to prevent the underground sale of exotic animals and is another example of the city interfering in something that doesn't need addressing.
Read More »
Nicholas Read. The Vancouver Sun. Vancouver, B.C.: Jan 23, 2007. pg. B.1.Fro
"Debate on exotic critters may be unleashed"
In January, staff was asked to look into regulating other animals in Kawartha Lakes with clerk Judy Currins' report on the corporate and human resource services committee's agenda last week. It was decided the time wasn't right to bring in bylaws, at least for now, for more exotic species.
Currins' contraband list, culled from some similar bylaws in other municipalities, included animals residents would normally associate with zoos, such as hippos, alligators and even hyenas.
Currins gave options to elected officials: repeal all existing bylaws on "exotic" animals, or give first reading to one of the proposed bylaws.
Read More »
Roman Zakaluzny. Lindsay Daily Post. Lindsay, Ont.: May 9, 2006. pg. A.1.Fro
"Sick crocodile found in suspect's home"
Paul Springate, the curator of reptiles and amphibians at the Rainforest Reptile Refuge Society in nearby Surrey, B.C., who was called by Vancouver police to help rescue the reptile, quickly determined the animal was in critical condition.
"It's emaciated," said Springate. "Very, very close to dying. His eyes are not properly opened --it only has half-opened eyes. Its backbone is showing. I, myself in my career having worked closely with 40 or so crocodilians of all types, have never seen a crocodilian with its backbone showing."
Read More »
Nanaimo Daily News. Nanaimo, B.C.: Sep 1, 2005. pg. A.5
"Animal bylaw must be updated"
Even his owner admitted T-Rex would whip a child with his tail or bite a child's outstretched hand, and it is a bit concerning that police were warning residents in the Grange Street area to keep an eye on children and small animals while the lizard was still missing.
While banning such obvious animals as alligators, crocodiles, grizzly bears and poisonous snakes, the council of the day seemed to forget about others, including giant lizards like Asian water monitors. It has been suggested that city councillors in 1978 never expected anyone to own such a creature, and it is expected that more amendments may be necessary in the future.
We are glad T-Rex was found safe and sound, and did not cause himself or any person harm, but it is clear an Asian water monitor lizard does not belong on the streets of Guelph.
Read More »
Daily Mercury. Guelph, Ont.: Jul 20, 2005. pg. A.12
"Exotic-animal acts not welcome in Cobourg"
It also included a list of 21 different categories of animal that fall under the ban, including pinnipedia (such as seals and walruses), cetacea (such as the beluga whale, orca and dolphin), snakes, non-human primates (such as gorillas and monkeys), and poisonous and venomous animals.
[Coun]. Dean McCaughey and Coun. Bill MacDonald announced their intention to oppose the bylaw.
Read More »
Cecilia Nasmith. Evening Guide. Port Hope, Ont.: Jun 30, 2004. pg. 8
The mass stingray deaths are just the latest blow for Calgary's zoo, which solicits millions of dollars in corporate donations from the wealthy energy companies headquartered in this southern Alberta city to bring in a wide variety of exotic animals.
Read More » Anonymous. Prince George Citizen. Prince George, B.C.: May 14, 2008. pg. 26
"Police find little lost lion safe, hungry..."
[...] the "parents" could turn on their television just in time to see reports that their loveable six-month-old lion cub -- a bona fide member of the family -- is on the lam. Zoos can be licensed to have lions, but Quebec does not issue licenses for individuals to keep lions, or most other exotic animals, said Jocelyn Martel, chief wildlife officer at the Maniwaki office of the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife.
Read More » Katie Daubs, Graham Hughes. The Ottawa Citizen. Ottawa, Ont.: May 2, 2008. p. F.1
"Circus animal bylaw set for adoption"
The long process of passing a bylaw to ban circuses featuring exotic animals from performing in the city is nearing an end.
Read More » Anonymous. Prince George Citizen. Prince George, B.C.: Apr 30, 2008. pg. 3
"Snakes Alive! 36 snakes rounded up in apartment"
The City's pet bylaw allows some types of snakes to be kept as pets -- namely those that aren't dangerous. Unlike cats and dogs, there is no limit on the number of snakes that can be kept as pets in Oshawa, as long as they're permitted species. "Pythons and boas like the ones we found aren't venomous, but they are constrictors," Ms. [Kathy Duncan] said. "That means they can wrap around you and squeeze you." In addition to certain snakes, Oshawa's pet bylaw prohibits a wide range of other "exotic" animals, ranging from monkeys and pigs to spiders and crocodiles. Cows, elephants and giraffes are also not allowed.
Read More » Jillian Follert. This Week. Clarington, Oshawa, Port Perry, Whitby, Ont.: Feb 28, 2008. pg. 1
"Council expected to restrict use of wild animals; Bylaw amendment would affect animal performances"
Council's standing committee on city services and budgets will consider a report next Thursday from the chief licence inspector urging passage of an an amendment to the business prohibition bylaw to further restrict the use of wild and exotic animals in performances. The recommendation is meant to strengthen existing licensing bylaws, which already pertain to circuses and strip acts, and to help discourage inhumane treatment of exotic animals. On Feb. 1, 2007, council approved in principle a prohibition on the use of exotic and wild animals in performances and other forms of entertainment, and instructed staff to report back on amendments to the city's bylaws.
Read More » Larry Pynn. The Vancouver Sun. Vancouver, B.C.: Feb 8, 2008. pg. B.7
"Elephants not exotic, P.G. mayor contends"
"We talk about domestic animals and domesticated animals and farm animals in our country," he said. "Elephants are a domesticated animal in a very large portion of this world." "We think that an elephant is an exotic animal that shouldn't be made to do things and I just can't agree with that," he continued. "In other cultures, it's a domesticated animal."
Read More » Alaska Highway News. Fort St. John, B.C.: Nov 21, 2007. pg. A.3
"Prince Rupert ban on exotic animals may inadvertently hit the circus"
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.
Read More » National Post. Don Mills, Ont.: Nov 17, 2007. p. A.8
"Police find venomous snake in drug bust"
"You don't want to mess with this one," he said, adding he's not sure whether the snake had its venom removed. [Bob Johnson] said many owners don't take the proper storage precautions and don't keep the required anti-venom on hand in case of an emergency. Just last fall, he said, a St. Catharines owner was bitten by a similar viper, requiring him to arrange for an emergency delivery of anti-venom to the Buffalo airport.
Read More » Mike Zettel. Niagara This Week. Thorold, Ont.: Sep 29, 2007. pg. 1
"Should governments regulate ownership of exotic pets?"
British Columbians were horrified, but likely not that surprised, at the news that a woman was mauled to death by a tiger at a zoo near 100-Mile House on May 10. As a result, it was reported last week that the province is looking to review its Wildlife Act to regulate the captivity of exotic pets. There are currently no provincial regulations on ownership of such animals and the SPCA can only seize exotic animals on the basis of neglect, not safety. Municipalities can restrict the ownership of animals by bylaw.
Read More » Jesse Ferreras. North Shore News. North Vancouver, B.C.: May 25, 2007. pg. 10
"Ahead of the pack; B.C. has a higher awareness of animal rights than anywhere else in Canada."
"We go back into the mountains so we get bears and cougars descending down upon us," [Rob Dykstra] says. "We've got whales next to us in the ocean. I think the whole idea of wildlife is very prevalent here, and because of that it's very much in our consciousness. And because of our wild image and our frequent contacts and preoccupation, to some extent, with wild animals, whenever an animal is in distress, there's kind of a conflict presented. So when you have that conflict, you have a story." "In what other big city in Canada do people live with back fences that back right onto a park?" he says. "We're in the faces of animals all the time. And as a result of that interface and sometimes conflict, they're a major part of the fabric of our community."
Read More » Nicholas Read. The Vancouver Sun. Vancouver, B.C.: May 24, 2007. pg. B.3
"Tiger killed after fatal attack on B.C. woman; Animal owner used to live here"
[Kim Carlton] wasn't home on Thursday night when [Tania Dumstrey-Soos], saying "good-night" to Gangus [the tiger], was apparently killed with a single paw swipe that severed a leg artery. Dumstrey-Soos' son, 14, and Carlton's 15-year-old son tried to stem the bleeding while they waited for an ambulance, but Dumstry-Soos was pronounced dead at the hospital. "The tiger wasn't outside the cage and she wasn't inside it. I guess the structure of the cage allowed it," said 100 Mile House RCMP Cpl. Scott Ksionzyck of the attack, adding the cage was a chain- link enclosure.
Read More » Tricia Leslie. Abbotsford Times. Abbotsford, B.C.: May 15, 2007. pg. 4
"Lions and lizards on city's list: Trying to curb the trade in exotic wildlife"
If council approves the recommendation Feb. 1, Vancouver will join Langley, Richmond, Surrey, Abbotsford, New Westminster, the City and District of North Vancouver and 12 communities outside the Lower Mainland in what has become a growing campaign by local jurisdictions to curb the trade in exotic pets. Cam McOuat, a co-owner of Aquariums West pet store on Burrard, said while he supports a ban on the sale of large and dangerous animals, such as pythons and crocodiles, the new law will do nothing to prevent the underground sale of exotic animals and is another example of the city interfering in something that doesn't need addressing.
Read More » Nicholas Read. The Vancouver Sun. Vancouver, B.C.: Jan 23, 2007. pg. B.1.Fro
"Debate on exotic critters may be unleashed"
In January, staff was asked to look into regulating other animals in Kawartha Lakes with clerk Judy Currins' report on the corporate and human resource services committee's agenda last week. It was decided the time wasn't right to bring in bylaws, at least for now, for more exotic species. Currins' contraband list, culled from some similar bylaws in other municipalities, included animals residents would normally associate with zoos, such as hippos, alligators and even hyenas. Currins gave options to elected officials: repeal all existing bylaws on "exotic" animals, or give first reading to one of the proposed bylaws.
Read More » Roman Zakaluzny. Lindsay Daily Post. Lindsay, Ont.: May 9, 2006. pg. A.1.Fro
"Sick crocodile found in suspect's home"
Paul Springate, the curator of reptiles and amphibians at the Rainforest Reptile Refuge Society in nearby Surrey, B.C., who was called by Vancouver police to help rescue the reptile, quickly determined the animal was in critical condition. "It's emaciated," said Springate. "Very, very close to dying. His eyes are not properly opened --it only has half-opened eyes. Its backbone is showing. I, myself in my career having worked closely with 40 or so crocodilians of all types, have never seen a crocodilian with its backbone showing."
Read More » Nanaimo Daily News. Nanaimo, B.C.: Sep 1, 2005. pg. A.5
"Animal bylaw must be updated"
Even his owner admitted T-Rex would whip a child with his tail or bite a child's outstretched hand, and it is a bit concerning that police were warning residents in the Grange Street area to keep an eye on children and small animals while the lizard was still missing. While banning such obvious animals as alligators, crocodiles, grizzly bears and poisonous snakes, the council of the day seemed to forget about others, including giant lizards like Asian water monitors. It has been suggested that city councillors in 1978 never expected anyone to own such a creature, and it is expected that more amendments may be necessary in the future. We are glad T-Rex was found safe and sound, and did not cause himself or any person harm, but it is clear an Asian water monitor lizard does not belong on the streets of Guelph.
Read More » Daily Mercury. Guelph, Ont.: Jul 20, 2005. pg. A.12
"Exotic-animal acts not welcome in Cobourg"
It also included a list of 21 different categories of animal that fall under the ban, including pinnipedia (such as seals and walruses), cetacea (such as the beluga whale, orca and dolphin), snakes, non-human primates (such as gorillas and monkeys), and poisonous and venomous animals. [Coun]. Dean McCaughey and Coun. Bill MacDonald announced their intention to oppose the bylaw.
Read More » Cecilia Nasmith. Evening Guide. Port Hope, Ont.: Jun 30, 2004. pg. 8