OFFICIAL BCRC STATEMENT Re: MISSION, BC PYTHON SEIZURE:
The BC Reptile Club is a non-profit organization that strives to educate the public on responsible reptile keeping practices. The Club also supports various registered non-profit Reptile Rescues. These rescues take in unwanted or abandoned reptiles, provide them with veterinary care, and re-home them where possible.
The BC Reptile Club absolutely does not condone, in ANY circumstances, the illegal keeping of reptiles.Whether you wish to keep such species as a personal collection, or a breeding collection, we as a Club and community of reptile lovers, do not condone illegal behavior.
If you wish to keep an animal that is on the Controlled Alien Species (CAS) List, a permit must be obtained via the appropriate avenues.
As stated on the BC Governments website:
“Stiffening the fines and penalties will act as a deterrent by sending a message to would-be offenders that there’s a high price to pay for their misdeeds.”
Therefore we believe if an individual fails to obtain a permit, the individual should be punished to the full extent of the law. If these laws and punishments are not utilized, it will set a precedent. We do not want the public to believe that getting caught with an illegal species is a minor offense.
While there have been some reports of snake incidents in the media as of late, we would like to assure the public that there is no reason to panic. The vast majority of snakes kept as pets in BC remain under 5ft long and are absolutely no threat to the public whatsoever. When the laws are abided by, a pet snake is no more dangerous than a pet hamster or a pet budgie.
The BC Reptile Club and it's members are to remain diligent in our mandate to educate the public on the responsible ownership of reptiles. Its our job to keep the hobby alive for many years to come.
View these links for important legal information:
CAS - General Questions
List of CAS Animals (PDF)
Wildlife Act - Controlled Alien Species Regulation
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