Well, that is one way to put me in a bad mood for the day.

From the Vancouver Humane Society's website:

Thousands of captive exotic animals are kept by zoos, animal entertainment agencies and private individuals. But these animals don't belong in cages or glass tanks. Whether wild-caught or captive-bred, they retain the biological and behavioural needs of wild animals. They have evolved to thrive in very specific environments that are virtually impossible to replicate in captivity.* As a result they are often kept in environments in which they lack space, stimulation, exercise, proper nutrition, warmth or same-species companionship. In short, they suffer.

So, these people are not just about limiting the ownership of 'exotic pets' to private individuals - they don't want them in B.C. period.

The ban-list would include, in part:
Snakes: green anaconda, yellow anaconda, reticulated python, African rock python, Burmese python, Indian python, amethyst python

But it does not stop there... they also want to ban-for-sale:
- Green iguanas
- Pythons and anacondas*
- Turtles and turtle eggs
- Venomous spiders and insects
- Venomous reptiles

This is a brief accounting of the full ban and ban-for-sale list. To review the full list, please visit the link above.

A few of the "reasons" they list for wanting this legislation passed:

The burnt snake:
Many exotic animals need artificial heating if they are to survive in non-tropical climates. Unfortunately, the incorrect use of heating equipment can lead to serious burns.

The limping lizard:
Crippling bone diseases often result in reptiles fed the wrong diet or given incorrect lighting.

Clearly dogs and cats are never mistreated by ignorant pet owners...

To review the full BC SPCA submission for their so-called "Wildlife Act" please click here.

I am really at a loss for words. These people are supposed to be knowledgeable about animals, and then they do something like... this? Their website reads more like an extremist animal rights organization than a government supported rescue center. Scary.

If you would like to contact the Vancouver SPCA, here is the information. But please, lets keep it civil. I know this is an emotional topic and a direct attack on our community, but sugar wins over vinegar... right?

tel: 1.604.266.9744
fax: 1.604.266.1311

info@vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca

Vancouver Humane Society
#303 - 8623 Granville Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6P 5A2
Canada

* Emphasis mine.