Port Moody moves to ban all live-animal events and performances from public and private land

Port Moody council has taken a potential ban on mobile petting zoos even further, moving to ban live-animal programs and shows from all public and private lands within the city.

Following a presentation from the BC SPCA two weeks ago, council unanimously voted on Jan. 21 to develop a new corporate policy that would completely prohibit all mobile live animal events within city limits – with no exceptions.

“I understand people have their own property rights. However, if we’re talking about animal cruelty: it’s cruel if it’s on public land and it’s cruel if it’s on private land,” said Coun. Amy Lubik. “I don’t think we should make any exceptions.”

The BC SPCA was consulted after concerns over animal welfare were raised at events hosted at the Fingerling Festival and the Golden Spike Days.

On Jan. 14, SPCA specialists recommended council ban all such events from the property and facilities in the future. They cited concerns over transportation, housing and breeding practices, public safety risks related to handling and disease risks, as well as the promotion of problematic perspectives regarding captive and exotic animals.

Jan Lee, an environmental technician with the city, said the city’s background research corroborated the BC SPCA’s concerns.

In recent years, concerns have been raised relating to overheated animals at Gold Spike Days have and to care standards and supervision were raised following the Fingerling Festival, according to Lee.

He said that research indicates there are limited educational benefits from these events, and no significant increase in conservation related behaviours, despite event organizers often claiming otherwise.

“It also promotes negative perspectives,” Lee said. “It promotes animals as entertainment, it normalizes animals in captivity, it detaches animals from natural contexts, and it also indirectly promotes exotic animals as pets.”

Lee also said there is a risk of non-native species escaping and disrupting ecosystems and wildlife, which would force the city to expend further resources on control efforts.

There are also no certifications for live animal programs, Lee said, adding that related certifications from Humane Canada and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries are not directly applicable.

Staff proposed several avenues for how the city could potentially respond to the issue, recommending the city develop a corporate policy as it would be easy and quick to implement. They note, however, that enforcing bans on private property could be difficult to enforce, as no there are no existing permit requirements.

Lee said possible exemptions for shows and programs could be made if events are registered with reputable third-party organizations, establishing them as a legitimate rescue, sanctuary or non-profit.

He suggested that exceptions could also be made for domestic animals, rescued wildlife like owls and hawks, or fish and invertebrates.

However, Coun. Kyla Knowles, who spearheaded the city’s move towards banning mobile petting zoos, said she emailed the BC SPCA about possible exemptions and they did not recommend allowing any.

She said while she is “hypersensitive” around issues related to private property rights, the threats to public safety and safety caused her to reconsider the ban on private lands.

Knowles also successfully introduced a motion in May 2023 for the city to ban potential rodeo events within city limits.

On Jan. 21, the BC SPCA and the Vancouver Humane Society released a statement thanking Port Moody council for its decision, stating it reflects a growing public awareness and concern around animals being used for entertainment. 

“The BC SPCA is thrilled to see local governments like the City of Port Moody make progressive policy decisions to enhance animal welfare in their communities,” says Nadia Xenakis, wild animal welfare specialist with the BC SPCA. “Port Moody has demonstrated that they are a leader in this regard. We encourage other local governments, and the provincial government, to make similar changes to their policies and regulations.”

Staff also recommended advocating for senior levels of government to implement stronger regulations related to certifications for live-animal events.