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
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.