exotic animals
VHS works to alleviate the suffering of captive exotic animals
Zoos are not the only places that keep captive exotic animals. Animal entertainment agencies rent them out for movies, TV commercials, “corporate entertainment” events and even for birthday parties. When the cameras stop rolling or the party is over, the animals are returned to their cages, tanks and pens, where they languish until the next assignment.
Thousands more animals are held by private individuals as pets, where they often suffer from neglect, poor conditions or from being abandoned when they are no longer wanted. These animals don't belong in cages or glass tanks in suburban basements. Whether wild-caught or captive-bred, they retain the biological and behavioural needs of wild animals. They have evolved to thrive in very specific environments that are virtually impossible to replicate in captivity. Captive animals endure environments in which they lack space, stimulation, exercise, proper nutrition, warmth or same-species companionship. In short, they suffer.
Exotic animals can also pose a threat to human health and safety, as some are dangerous, venomous or can carry diseases contagious to humans. They are completely unsuitable as pets.
VHS works with all levels of government to pass legislation prohibiting the private ownership of exotic animals as pets.
New Provincial Government Regulation of exotic animals
In March 2009, the B.C. government introduced long-awaited regulation of the keeping of exotic animals. The new regulations prohibit the keeping of an extensive list of dangerous exotic species, such as tigers, venomous snakes and other animals deemed unsafe to be held by private individuals. While introduced for reasons of public safety, the regulations enhance animal welfare by keeping these animals out of the hands of private individuals and by helping to restrict the trade in these species. The regulations will also improve conditions at zoos and other animal facilities, such as animal rental agencies. The government’s regulatory plan can be seen at this link.
VHS welcomed the provincial government’s regulations but we were disappointed the list of prohibited animals was not longer. Many small animals, especially reptiles, will continue to be traded and kept as pets. VHS is urging municipal governments to continue passing bylaws that will curtail the sale and keeping of exotic pets.
VHS warned government about tiger danger
The new provincial regulations follow many years of work by VHS to bring the issue of exotic animals to the public’s attention.
VHS warned the B.C. Ministry of the Environment in 2006 about the danger posed by the tiger that killed a woman at a private zoo near 100 Mile House on May 10, 2007.
In a letter to the ministry on December 1, 2006 VHS stated:
"In our opinion, the enclosures are inadequate and these animals are not being kept in humane conditions. More importantly, as you can see from the enclosed, there is not adequate fencing to protect the public from these wild and potentially dangerous animals. As well, the animals are taken into public places including schools and malls, in which the public, including small children, is encouraged to not only get into close proximity, but also to engage in touching and other activities. This, in our opinion, is a disaster waiting to happen."
VHS had been monitoring Siberian Magic, the company that kept the tiger and a number of other exotic animals for display, charging for children to have their picture taken with tigers and to pet the animals. In 2005, VHS protests stopped Siberian Magic from displaying tigers at restaurant party in Whistler, B.C.
If you are concerned about animal welfare in any facility keeping captive exotic animals, please contact us.
