Please note that some of the information on this page, which is purely for educational purposes, has been obtained from a 2013 report through the Library of Congress. Other research sources have also been cited accordingly.
Animals are considered to be “personal property” in Canada, and private ownership of animals, including exotic wildlife, falls under the jurisdiction of each respective province. However, municipal bylaws for each province generally do not have clear definitions of “exotic animals”, and this can create problems for cities in regard to regulating ownership.
International Treaties:
Environment Canada is responsible for upholding The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), an international treaty which regulates the international trade of endangered and threatened species. Importers of big cats that are listed as endangered or threatened under CITES must meet permit and license requirements.
Canadian (Federal) Legislation:
The Species At Risk Act (SARA) protects native wildlife that are classified as endangered. Cougars, lynx, and bobcats are all native to Canada, but only the cougar is classified as endangered.
Criminal Code of Canada: Section 445.1(1) of the Code states that it is an indictable offence for anyone who “willfully causes or, being the owner, wilfully permits to be caused unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury to an animal or bird”. This is a provision that private owners of exotic wildlife must adhere to, but the term “unnecessary suffering” has, unfortunately, had a historically narrow application and is therefore not heavily enforced.
British Columbia:
Alberta:
Saskatchewan:
Manitoba:
Quebec:
Ontario: