New Brunswick set to introduce exotic animal legislation after young brothers’ deaths

The New Brunswick government is introducing legislation to regulate owning exotic animals, four years after two young brothers were killed by a python in Campbellton.

Regulations will be developed to describe the categories of permit holders and terms for permits. As well, a list of exotic animals that do not require a permit will be created.

Energy and Resource Development Minister Rick Doucet says the Exotic Animals Act will strengthen safeguards for public safety and the health of people and pets.

“The proposed act will apply to wildlife that is not native to New Brunswick,” said Doucet in a statement.

“The definition of exotic animal will include certain fish, wildlife and invertebrates such as scorpions and spiders. The proposed legislation will regulate the import, possession, sale, public display, propagation, export and release of exotic animals.”

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READ MORE: Python owner found not guilty in deaths of New Brunswick boys

In August 2013, Noah Barthe, 4, and Connor Barthe, 6, died during a sleepover at an apartment below a reptile pet store.

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An African rock python had escaped its enclosure, travelled through a ventilation duct and dropped into the room where the boys were sleeping. Autopsies found the boys died of asphyxiation.

In July 2014, the province announced it was establishing a task force to review New Brunswick’s exotic animal laws and regulations.

One year later, the task force’s report offered 29 recommendations and called on the province to review existing legislation because it did not adequately address regulation and enforcement.

READ MORE: New Brunswick task force releases report on exotic pet rules, including 29 recommendations

The task force also concluded exotic species can pose health and safety risks not only to people but to other animals, as well as ecosystems.

The government says it has implemented 14 of the recommendations, 13 of them are still in the process of being implemented and two are under review.

Doucet says the legislation will be introduced in the coming days.

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