PIJAC Canada Bans Importation to Protect 'at risk' Newts

Board moves to protect Native and Captive populations of Newts  

 

In late November PIJAC (USA) recommended a temporary halt on the importation of Firebell and Paddletail newts, effective immediately. The reason for the moratorium stems from concerns over the Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans or Bsal fungus. This fungus, which is native to Asia, has impacted fire salamander populations in Belgium and the Netherlands.

In an proactive effort to protect native Canadian newt populations, PIJAC Canada’s Board of Directors is supporting PIJAC USA’s recommendation. This decision is directly aligned with the criteria found in PIJAC Canada's Exotic Animal Policy.

Even if harvested sustainably in the counties of origin, the risk to species native in Canada is high and potentially endangers the existing captive amphibian communities. Should such a pathogen be introduced to Canada, it could result in a ban, meaning the end of responsible ownership of these animals entirely. PIJAC members are being asked to remind customers that pets should never be released into the wild.

Are Exotic Pet Bans an Appropriate Answer??

The New Brunswick python attack has stimulated Urban Animal conversations across North America. In an effort to make this conversation available across the industry, InfoStream will open a new conversation in the Urban Animal Group area of LinkedIn. Here are some of the ideas and thoughts collected so far:

• Talk of municipal bans aimed at exotic pets has prompted a PIJAC Canada Blog
• A conversation involving municipal enforcement has undertaken the review of exotic pet legislation to understand if dangerous animals may be removed from a premises without charging the pet owner.
• A conversation has developed around an 'amnesty program' to be delivered by members of the local community such as pet retailers, humane, rescue and veterinary organizations that would allow non-compliant or dangerous animals to be surrendered in a manner safe for both people and pets.

Please join the conversation as you are able. These contributions will be made available to Summit 2013 Directors, Dr. Jason Coe and Dr. Drew VanNiekerk so they can be included in the onsite conversations. 

Exotic Pets Overwhelm the Urban Animal Conversation

One can hardly imagine a more gripping tragedy than that emerging from Campbellton, New Brunswick, over the past few days. The apparent killing of two little boys (4 and 6) by an African Rock Python has been headline news across Canada and around the globe. Obviously the present focus, must in the foreground be to support the grieving family, while in the background experts collect the evidence and facts that can support an Urban Animal conversation.

THE STORY

Coincidentally, just prior to the incident (Saturday), the Globe and Mail Pet Project printed a discussion of the role of exotics and wildlife in society for consideration. While this seemed reasonable at the time, by Wednesday, social conversations had moved from the right and reason to own exotic pets (seeing this as trivial) to public safety. 

GLOBE AND MAIL

While the New Brunswick incident may be shown to be an anomaly in reptile behavior, for the public, a natural fear of snakes and a low level of attraction for exotics has moved the conversation to a series of questions:

• Why are such critters kept in private homes? 
• Why should pet owners to be allowed to have exotic animals in a modern urban municipality? 
• What 'rights' are involved? 
• What process will resolve conflicts between those who are eventually shown to have 'rights'? 
• Who should lead this conversation? 
• Which voices should be heard?
• Can public safety be ensured with better legislation, licenses and compliance? 
• Who should be responsible to enforce compliance?

While this conversation swirls around the internet, PIJAC Canada is hard at work ensuring that accurate information is available to media and the public. They together with their allies in the Urban Animal Industry had the foresight to prepare the PIJAC Exotic Animal Policy which has been used by legislators and enforcement officials across Canada.

It is clear this conversation must also come forward at the eighth annual Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in October. Summit Alumni and invited International guests will be challenged to sort through the facts and evidence during the Friday Forum to answer these questions and to develop strategy that will uphold the rights of people and pets while ensuring public safety.

Those who have contributions for this conversation are invited to contact PIJAC Canada or the Urban Animal Foundation directly.