WATCH: The task force appointed to review New Brunswick’s exotic animal policies released its report Tuesday. The task force made 29 recommendations to help strengthen the laws and regulations. Alex Abdelwahab reports.
MONCTON – The province’s task force on exotic animals has released a report with 29 recommendations.
The task force presented their findings to the provincial government during a press conference on Tuesday in Moncton.
“If we are to truly provide protection to the general public and in particular those that tend to be the most vulnerable, we must ensure that the best control measures to minimize risks are in place and are functioning properly,” the report reads.
The Department of Natural Resources has already accepted all recommendations and promises to create a committee to ensure they’re implemented.
The task force’s mandate was to review existing legislation in the province, including the Fish and Wildlife Act, to see if amendments are needed.
An immediate recommendation includes a province-wide inspection of all sites with exotic animals, whether it be for public display, research or retail.
They’ve also recommended that a public education program teach the laws and associated dangers of exotic pets, as well as species that are legal to the public.
“Exotic animals in general do not make good pets as they are difficult to properly house, feed and handle,” the report states.
READ MORE: Python that killed two N.B. boys was in enclosure near where they slept
The task force also recommended that all agencies involved in the care and control of exotic species in the province communicate better, and that a committee be developed to work on a policy that improves the communication.
“The Task Force felt that many of the building blocks were already in place in New Brunswick for the proper oversight of exotic animals and has provided a number of recommendations for improvement.”
This comes almost two years after Noah Barthe, 4, and his six-year-old brother Connor were killed in Campbellton after a 45-kilogram African rock python escaped its enclosure inside an apartment where they were staying for a sleepover.
READ MORE: Province establishing task force to review exotic animal rules
The apartment was owned by Jean-Claude Savoie, a friend of the children. Savoie also owned the Reptile Ocean exotic pet store located below the apartment.
Since 1992, African rock pythons have been banned in New Brunswick unless a permit is obtained. Only accredited zoos can obtain such a permit.
A total of 23 reptiles that were banned without a permit in New Brunswick were seized from the pet shop after the deaths of the boys. Four American alligators that were also taken from the store were euthanized.
READ MORE: Environment Canada did not require owner to have a permit for python
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