“Today Ontario is the only province that does not regulate exotic wild animals in captivity in any way, so it’s a free for all and the animals suffer for it.”
News from Zoocheck, a citizens advocacy group for the humane treatment of animals
Posted September 4th, 2024 on Niagara At Large
How is looking after the welfare of this magnificent cat?
Zoocheck has recently partnered with World Animal Protection Canada to promote a new municipal resolution, supported by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), urging Ontario to finally regulate exotic wildlife in captivity. Both groups were at the 2024 AMO conference in Ottawa this past August.
It’s long been known that Ontario is Canada’s hotbed for exotic animals in roadside zoos, private menageries, mobile zoos and for the keeping of exotic, wild animals by private individuals as pets.
Today Ontario is the only province that does not regulate exotic wild animals in captivity in any way, so it’s a free for all and the animals suffer for it.
The lack of exotic animal regulation in Ontario has left the onus for dealing with exotic animals on the municipalities in which the animals are kept.
Most municipalities don’t have the expertise or capacity to deal with exotic animals, especially the larger, more dangerous animals such as big cats, bears, primates and giant constricting snakes to name just a few.
This is not where a bear should be, caged in a small, barren pen for people’s amusement.
For years, municipalities across the province have petitioned or made other requests to the Ontario government urging it to establish laws and regulations governing exotic animals but, to date, the province has not acted.
At the present time anyone, regardless of knowledge, experience or the finances keep animals safely and humanely can keep exotic wild animals, even dangerous species, in Ontario.
We have recently partnered with World Animal Protection Canada to promote a new municipal resolution, supported by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), urging Ontario to finally regulate exotic wildlife in captivity.
More than 25 municipalities have already endorsed the resolution and the goal is to add at least 75 more municipalities to the list, a number that will be politically significant to the Ontario government. Reaching that goal is something you can help with.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP US REACH 100 SIGNATORIES
- 1. Familiarize yourself with the RESOLUTION and the background information in the BRIEFING NOTE.
- 2. Contact your municipal councillor or Mayor and request a meeting (phone or Zoom is good, but in-person has the most impact) to discuss the municipal resolution aimed at convincing the Ontario government to properly regulate the keeping of exotic wildlife, including dangerous species.
- 3. Meet with your municipal representative, share some key points, and give them a copy of the proposed resolution. Ask them to take steps to have the resolution endorsed by your municipality.
NOTE: This is not a controversial issue and most municipalities would like to see The PROVINCE OF ONTARIO ACT. Endorsing the resolution is an easy ask for them, so, if you have never called your councillor before, don’t be intimidated. just go ahead and help us reach the 100 municipality endorsement goal.
About Zoocheck – Zoocheck is a Canadian-based international wildlife protection charity (#13150 2072 RR0001) established in 1984 to promote and protect the interests and well-being of wild animals. Zoocheck works with a broad range of collaborating partners around the world.
Zoocheck endeavors to promote animal protection in specific situations and strives to bring about a new respect for all living things and the world in which they live.
For more information of the advocacy work of Zoocheck, click on – Zoocheck – Protecting wild animals since 1984
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