New rules coming for exotic pets
Last updated Aug 2 2005 03:28 PM PDT
CBC News
Vancouver owners of exotic pets – including snakes, lizards and some birds – could soon face tougher restrictions from city hall.
Vancouver doesn't have a by-law regulating exotic pets.
But city councillor Anne Roberts says she has been getting calls from the public, which prompted her to ask city officials to take a closer look.
"People who obtain the pets don't know how to care for them," she says. "There can be different consequences around diseases and other areas. Should people be keeping exotic kinds of pets in their homes?"
Barb Windsor of the city's by-law and licensing department says her staff are preparing a report for city council on the possible health risks involved.
Windsor says some animals could be banned, and there will likely be stricter regulations
"If you have a pet like that, we may require you that you have to register with us," she says. "That first of all we know you have it. And that there are requirements in how you care for it."
Windsor says the report will be ready for city council by the fall, which would lead to public meetings on the issue.
