For the purposes of Controlled Alien Species Regulation, Ministry of Environment's Fish and Wildlife Branch considers a commercial zoo to be a place or enclosure where animals are kept in captivity for public display and are an institution accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), or equivalent, that keeps animals in captivity (while promoting the welfare of animals) for the purpose of maintaining genetic diversity, or encouraging the advancement of conservation, education or science.
Commercial zoos will be required to have permits for possession, breeding or shipping/transporting a Controlled Alien Species after March 31, 2010. Applications for these permits will be available after November 1, 2009. Permits must also be obtained after April 1, 2010, to bring new Controlled Alien Species into British Columbia. Please read the permit application and conditions carefully for a full outline of annual requirements.
After April 1, 2010, as a requirement of their permit, commercial zoos will be required to meet the accreditation standards put out by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or equivalent.
The Permit Authorization Service Bureau will accept applications for permits after November 1, 2009. To ensure compliance with this Regulation, and to obtain your permit for any current Controlled Alien Species in your possession before the April 1, 2010 deadline, we suggest you submit your application before February 1, 2010.
November 1, 2009: Applications are available for permits to possess a Controlled Alien Species. You must have your permit in place to possess any current Controlled Alien Species by April 1, 2010.
February 1, 2010: The last date to submit your permit application to the Ministry of Environment, to ensure compliance with the regulation, and obtain your permit before the April 1, 2010 deadline.
April 1, 2010: If you are in possession of a controlled alien species without a permit, you will be subject to a penalty for violating the new restrictions.
Please read the permit application and conditions carefully for a full outline of annual requirements.
