Exotic Animals By-law

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Why regulate Exotic Animals?

Did you know that in Ontario, it is illegal to own an Orca, Pitbull breed, or native wildlife without a permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry? The Province does not regulate ownership of any other animals; it is up to individual municipalities to determine their local rules. Currently, the Town of Greater Napanee does not have an Exotic Animals By-law to regulate the ownership of exotic pets.

The phrase "exotic pets" is most often used as a generic term for non-domesticated or wild animals. These animals have not been selectively bred for specific biological and behavioural characteristics that make them amenable to living with or being handled by humans. Many exotic pets are removed directly from wild environments by pet trade collectors, while other species produced in captivity for the pet trade are just a few generations removed from the wild. Even exotic animal species that have been bred for longer periods of time retain many, if not all, of the same needs as their wild counterparts.


Things to Consider:

Many exotic animals require a higher standard of care which often cannot be met in a captive setting. Critical care includes diet, exercise, mental enrichment, and social and environmental needs. The proper veterinary care required for exotic animals is also difficult to find. The Provincial Animal Welfare Service Act and regulations have a different standard of care for exotic animals with varying requirements for enclosures, nutrition, etc.

Exotic animals can cause significant public health risks. Diseases can be transferred from exotic animals to people and to domesticated pets that can cause severe illnesses.

There have been many reported incidents of non-domesticated animals escaping enclosures and attacking people (even owners) and other animals, creating havoc on local habitats and wildlife.

In an emergency, it can also be more dangerous for first responders to attend a property where exotic animals are present.

Importing exotic animals is often considered inhumane due to trapping practices, and breeding in captivity can be regarded as cruel due to the frequency of breeding and lack of care.

The websites linked under the Important Links section provide more information from animal advocacy organizations about the complex care needs and public safety risks associated with keeping exotic animals.

Why regulate Exotic Animals?

Did you know that in Ontario, it is illegal to own an Orca, Pitbull breed, or native wildlife without a permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry? The Province does not regulate ownership of any other animals; it is up to individual municipalities to determine their local rules. Currently, the Town of Greater Napanee does not have an Exotic Animals By-law to regulate the ownership of exotic pets.

The phrase "exotic pets" is most often used as a generic term for non-domesticated or wild animals. These animals have not been selectively bred for specific biological and behavioural characteristics that make them amenable to living with or being handled by humans. Many exotic pets are removed directly from wild environments by pet trade collectors, while other species produced in captivity for the pet trade are just a few generations removed from the wild. Even exotic animal species that have been bred for longer periods of time retain many, if not all, of the same needs as their wild counterparts.


Things to Consider:

Many exotic animals require a higher standard of care which often cannot be met in a captive setting. Critical care includes diet, exercise, mental enrichment, and social and environmental needs. The proper veterinary care required for exotic animals is also difficult to find. The Provincial Animal Welfare Service Act and regulations have a different standard of care for exotic animals with varying requirements for enclosures, nutrition, etc.

Exotic animals can cause significant public health risks. Diseases can be transferred from exotic animals to people and to domesticated pets that can cause severe illnesses.

There have been many reported incidents of non-domesticated animals escaping enclosures and attacking people (even owners) and other animals, creating havoc on local habitats and wildlife.

In an emergency, it can also be more dangerous for first responders to attend a property where exotic animals are present.

Importing exotic animals is often considered inhumane due to trapping practices, and breeding in captivity can be regarded as cruel due to the frequency of breeding and lack of care.

The websites linked under the Important Links section provide more information from animal advocacy organizations about the complex care needs and public safety risks associated with keeping exotic animals.