TyMilsom

Canadian Exotic snake owners see red over dangerous pet ban

Reptile breeder says move will affect his ability to earn wage

By Suzanne Fournier, CanwestNews ServiceMarch 19, 2009

Owners of exotic snakes are hissing with anger at a new B.C. law that bans "dangerous foreign animals," including large or venomous snakes.

"This law was just sprung on us, and I can tell you it violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms by restricting our right to earn a living, as well as freedom of religion, because the Bible says, 'Thou shalt take up the serpent,' " said Gord Redman of Cranbrook, vice-president of the B.C. Reptile Club.

"I breed boa constrictors for a living, and I was asked to help create a list for this new legislation -- and then, all of a sudden, the minister announces a whole list of banned species that just don't make sense. You can keep a six-pack of pit bulls in B.C., but not a harmless boa. Horses kill more people in B.C. than snakes."

Redman said exotic-snake breeding is "a very big business. We'll take it to the Supreme Court if we have to. The government was trying to get free publicity at our expense."

Chris Richardson, president of the 350-member Reptile Club, said thousands of snakes in B.C. are now prohibited after Environment Minister Barry Penner's announcement. He said he's worried that "some owners will say, 'The heck with the government,' and go underground, which isn't good for the animals or public safety. Most of our members will apply for permits, but others will fight the system -- or dump snakes."

The Controlled Alien Species Regulation, which names 1,256 species "that pose the most serious threat to public safety," was announced Tuesday.

The list of animals to be banned from being imported, bred or kept as pets in B.C. includes boa constrictors and pythons, which can grow to more than three metres in length, all foreign venomous snakes, monkeys, chimpanzees, alligators, poison arrow frogs, black panthers, lions and tigers, as well as big animals such as rhinos and hippos.

People who own a listed animal that was in B.C. before Tuesday may be able to keep the creature until it dies, if they "comply with a number of requirements and restrictions" and apply for a permit before March 31, 2010.

All breeding of restricted animals will be prohibited by April 2010, except by accredited zoos or educational and research institutions.

Exotic snake owners see red over dangerous pet ban