Exotic and wild animals do not belong in cages or tanks in people’s homes, as it can deprive them of their ability to engage in natural behaviours. Often, they suffer from poor housing, nutrition and care.
Buying exotic pets can feed the international trade in wildlife, which harms ecosystems and can put species at risk of extinction.
VHS opposes the sale and keeping of exotic pets and has successfully campaigned for a number of municipal bylaws that ban or restrict the ownership and sale of these animals.
Latest news
Union of B.C. Municipalities calls on province to regulate mobile live animal programs and strengthen exotic animal rules
The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), which represents local governments across B.C., recently voted to endorse resolution NR75 – Mobile live animal programs This resolution calls on the provincial government to regulate mobile live animal programs and to strengthen exotic animal rules. Mobile live animal programs, such as travelling petting zoos, presentations and displays, or…
Proposal to regulate mobile petting zoos in B.C. cites ‘distress’ for animals
Port Moody Councillor Kyla Knowles introduced a resolution at the UBCM calling for regulations on mobile live animal programs, citing animal welfare, zoonotic disease risks, and public safety. The Vancouver Humane Society supports the resolution, highlighting the lack of minimum standards for animal care in mobile programs. The resolution also urges the province to update…