Reptilia can open whether council grants animal bylaw exemption — or not
“They have a provincial license and they can open anyways,” said Coun. Elizabeth Peloza when asked if an indoor reptile zoo needs city council’s backing to open next month.
Peloza chairs the Community and Protective Services Committee that recently debated a request by Reptilia for an exemption to London’s Animal Control Bylaw that prohibits the display of exotic species.
On Tuesday, city council will make a decision — but it may be a moot point.
Peloza opposes granting a municipal exemption, but admits Reptilia’s opening and operation is governed by provincial licensing rules.
“There’s other things that Londoners have seen the province override us on, as we are a municipality, we are under their control. The province has already granted a licence,” explained Peloza.
On Nov. 25, a representative of Reptilia suggested a similar understanding of provincial authority.
Bob Murphy, director of animal welfare said legal advice has been received that Reptilia can open under the terms of its provincial license, and said, “But we really want the blessing of the City of London and the people of London. We want their backing to go forward.”
A report prepared by civic administration in April 2022 emphasized the municipality’s limited ability to enforce its ban on exotic species, and read in part, “Once they are open and operating, enforcement of the terms and conditions of the licence will be the responsibility of the province.”
The report added, “If there are matters outside of their licence, they may be subject to the city’s animal control bylaw.”
Reptilia has almost completed its 30,000 sq. ft. facility in Westmount Mall where both native and exotic reptiles will be displayed.
It has expressed a desire to open in January.
Peloza suggested council can still send a strong message next week that London is not putting out the welcome mat to zoos.
“Others could follow, the roadside zoos, petting zoos, and full zoos to London. It opens Pandora’s Box,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.