Annie's Rodents
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| Exotic Animal Legislation |
"Why was this passed???"
Since I was 5 years old, I've enjoyed my life with pets. They've helped me get through
some very difficult times in my life, including a sexually abusive step-father and an
abusive ex-spouse. However, some of the pets I chose to enjoy my life with are now
being threatened. You see, I own several boa constrictors and some others reptiles
as well. I'm not a breeder, though I had hoped to breed them in a few years. I'm
simply a person who loves these unique and special animals.
Unfortunately, a few days ago the government made the decision that the animals I
love "pose a serious risk to the public" and will soon be illegal to own or breed. I was
shocked and horrified! I scoured the internet, going to various government sites to
look up any information I could regarding death or injury statistics on these animals. I
searched the BC's own Vital Statistics page to search for any snake related deaths
and found that from the years 1969 - 1997 there were only TWO deaths attributed to
snakes during all that time! One was from a privately owned venomous snake and
the other was from an indigenous species, the rattlesnake.
I searched again, thinking there must be some mistake. But nowhere on the internet
did I see any human deaths or even serious injury linked to the common boa
constrictor.
Just like dog and cat ownersl, I am very passionate about my animals. I love them
and will do whatever I can to keep these harmless pets from being banned.
Did you realize that this new legislation was originally intended to protect BC's
wildlife? Yet there are a number of introduced species which are NOT included on
this list. BC is home to the beautiful little Pacific tree frog and the Oregon spotted
frog, both of which are declining in numbers drastically. Part of it is due to the loss of
habitat, but a more serious risk is from the introduced species Bullfrog. This species
was originally imported in the hopes of "farming" it for use in restaurants as frogs
legs. Obviously this didn't work out and so the frogs were all released and have been
wreaking havoc on our own natural wildlife. This frog will eat anything that will fit into
its mouth, from insects to frogs to even small ducklings! The new legislation, which
is supposed to PROTECT our wildlife allows this hungry predator to go free while
targeting harmless pets.
The Red-eared Slider turtle is another introduced species which should have been
included, yet wasn't. Why? The RES can be found in almost any pond or lake in the
southwest part of BC. Some of these turtles die during the winter, but a good portion
of them survive... taking food from BC's indigenous turtles.
I realize that there does need to be legislation in place to stop people from owning
the truly dangerous animals like tigers and lions and venomous snakes. I am all for
that. I am not in support of banning harmless pets because of legislation that was
created based on fear and Hollywood movies instead of real statistics!
Members of the BC Reptile Club were invited to help decide on the final list. In fact,
the BCRC actually submitted a lengthy list of reptiles which should be restricted and
banned based on facts and the experience of many professional herpetologists.
Why has the Fish and Wildlife passed legislation that does NOTHING to protect BC's
own natural wildlife, yet which affects thousands of harmless reptiles and their
owners throughout the province?