Published • loading... • Updated
B.C. Banning Exotic Cat Ownership, Citing Public Safety and Animal Welfare
Current owners must apply for free permits before next May as the province classifies several wildcat species as controlled alien species.
- On Thursday, the B.C. government announced a ban on breeding and future ownership of exotic cats, designating species including servals, ocelots, and European and African wildcats as controlled alien species under the Wildlife Act.
- Escaped exotic cats kill native wildlife and damage sensitive habitats by disturbing vegetation and nesting areas. Sara Dubois, senior director with animal welfare science and standards at the BC SPCA, noted that captivity often prevents natural behavior, causing animals to become depressed and destructive.
- Designated species include servals, ocelots, and European, African, and Asian wildcats, with rules also banning hybrid cats within four generations of a wildcat ancestor. Other newly controlled species include caracals, fishing cats, jungle cats and marbled cats.
- Current exotic cat owners must apply for a free permit through The Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship before next May. Ownership of large exotic cats such as lions and tigers remains subject to existing regulations.
- The regulatory changes, resulting from updates to the Wildlife Act, establish stricter controls to prevent future acquisition and breeding of exotic species while protecting environmental and animal welfare standards. The BC SPCA welcomed the new rules.
Insights by Ground AI
27 Articles
27 Articles
castanet.net+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
Owner of Gary, the African serval, says animal will suffer under B.C. exotic cat ban
The owner of a serval cat says British Columbia's exotic cat ban, placing new rules on permits and enclosures, could negatively impact his cat's quality of life.
·Kelowna, Canada
Read Full Article
The Toronto Star+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
B.C. banning exotic cat ownership, citing public safety and animal welfare
VICTORIA - The B.C. government has announced a ban on breeding and future ownership of all exotic cats in a measure it says strengthens public safety, animal welfare and environmental
·Toronto, Canada
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources27
Leaning Left13Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution76% Left
Bias Distribution
- 76% of the sources lean Left
76% Left
L 76%
C 24%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
