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Success for animals! Port Moody bans mobile petting zoos

The Vancouver Humane Society, the BC SPCA, and allies in the Lower Mainland are celebrating a big win for animals as Port Moody prohibits mobile petting zoos!

Port Moody City Council voted to prohibit mobile live animal programs, which transport animals for human entertainment, on January 21st.

Why ban mobile petting zoos?

Mobile petting zoos pose many animal welfare concerns:

  • Transportation to different locations can be an inherently stressful process for many species.
  • The animals used in these zoos are typically transported and kept in undersized cages or units that may also lack other elements they need to engage in important natural behaviours, like appropriate substrate and enrichment items.
  • Animals can develop chronic stress and health issues as a result of disrupted eating, sleeping, and drinking patterns, and from being exposed to unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells and human handling and interactions. 

Read or watch more about this win for animals in the articles below!

CBC News

“These events really perpetuate the notion that animals are here for our entertainment, which is certainly not a message we should be teaching children,” Emily Pickett said in an interview televised on CBC News.

Tri-City News

Petting zoos and other live animal programs not welcome in Port Moody

Port Moody, B.C., will adopt a corporate policy banning mobile live animal programs from operating on public or private land in the city.

“Thursday, the BC SPCA and VHS lauded Port Moody’s decision.

‘The BC SPCA is thrilled to see local governments like the City of Port Moody make progressive policy decisions to enhance animal welfare in their communities,’ said Nadia Xenakis, the BC SPCA’s wild animal welfare specialist, in a news release.”