what’s a polar bear doing in the Fraser Valley?
Date: May 15, 2007
Humane society calls for curbs on exotic animal rental agencies
(Vancouver) May 14, 2007 - The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is calling for a ban on agencies that rent out exotic animals for films, parties and other forms of entertainment.
Following the fatal tiger attack near 100 Mile House, B.C. last week, VHS says the animal entertainment industry in B.C. should be stopped from holding captive exotic animals.
“There are a number of these agencies in B.C. that are not regulated, including one in Mission with a polar bear,” said VHS spokesperson Peter Fricker. “No one knows if these animals are being kept humanely or safely.”
Fricker said that in the short term only zoos that are accredited with the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) should be allowed to keep exotic animals. “CAZA standards are the bare minimum. We would like the provincial government to regulate zoos and enforce specific standards on the keeping of exotic animals.”
VHS opposes the keeping of exotic animals as pets or for use in entertainment or public displays.
