A breeding ban is in place immediately for all owners of controlled alien species, except for institutions (zoos, educational and research institutions) and in special circumstances.
Under special circumstances, the director of the Fish and Wildlife Branch may, at his/her discretion, authorize a permit allowing an individual to breed their controlled alien species between March 16, 2009 and March 31, 2010. If you are a registered business and had an established breeding program prior to March 16, 2009, you could qualify for a breeding permit. Breeding of controlled alien species under special circumstances will end after March 31, 2010. Commercial zoos and educational and research institutions will be able to continue breeding their controlled alien species under permits.
Along with the permit application, the applicant should submit documentation with their application that describes why their case should be considered as a special circumstance. The applicant should also provide information regarding gestation period and the number of progeny expected (management plan) for each controlled alien species.
The penalties associated with breeding or releasing for a first time offender are: fines ranging from $2,500 to a maximum of $250,000; or a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years or both a fine and a sentence.
Key Dates:
March 16, 2009: Cannot breed except under special circumstances--registered business with an established breeding program and a permit from the Ministry of Environment. Breeding without a permit will be subject to penalties.
April 1, 2010: Breeding of controlled alien species is prohibited unless you are a commercial zoo or educational or research institution.
