Oshawa Proposed Amendments to Responsible Pet Owners By-law 14-2010
Submitted on Behalf of:
CanHerp
Specialty Pet Families of Oshawa
Pet Reptile Retail Specialists
of Oshawa
To Animal Services, Mayor, and council of the City of Oshawa,
CanHerp is an association of reptile and amphibian enthusiast’s, working together to preserve, foster, and grow the reptile and amphibian hobby in Canada by supporting Specialty Pet breeders, hobbyists, veterinarians, retailers, educator’s, and most importantly Pet families. Our stakeholders agree that responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and public safety are top priorities when developing municipal by-laws.
In response to the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee and Proposed Amendments to Responsible Pet Owners By-law 14-2010, CanHerp would like to thank you for allowing us the opportunity to provide feedback regarding the subject of Permitted vs Prohibitive lists.
Prohibitive lists are easier for Animal Services employees to use, as they are easier to understand, and clearly identify animals that are not generally considered acceptable pets. However, CanHerp does not believe that a Permitted List is a beneficial means of managing pets. Permitted lists are also difficult to maintain as they require animal services to be aware of each animal identified on the list as an acceptable pet.
Approximately 80% of all reptile and amphibian pets in Canada are captive-bred and born in Canada, or the USA. Imported pets that reside in Canada are from countries of origin that have been regulated by Environment Canada, CFIA and CITES (Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species). Furthermore, enthusiasts often self-police the rehoming of animals to ensure they’re sent to homes who are properly prepared to provide and care for their pets. Most reptile and amphibian pets are also captive-bred, to preserve the species and further establish captive-breeding programs. This helps save species from the main problem animals are faced with globally, including deforestation, loss of habitat and the encroachment of humans of the species native habitats.
Due to the lack of allergy potential, reptiles also make amazing pets and life companions. Pet owners who are allergic to dogs, cats, or birds don’t enjoy interacting with pets the same way as other pet owners.
Today, pet owners have access to tools and resources that enable them to provide their pets with the best care possible. Examples include thermostats to help regulate temperature, along with various heating products such as heat pads, heat panels, and lights, depending on the requirements of the animal. There are also lights available that provide a portion of the sun’s natural UV rays which are important to their health and wellbeing. One of the fastest growing segments of the world of Canadian Veterinarian schooling are the educational programs focused on specialty pets. These educational programs provide pet owners the veterinarian care and support to the specialty pet families across Canada.
Furthermore, groups such as CanHerp along with pet retailers are important resources available for pet owners to research the needs of their family pets. Scientific research and knowledge are also available that has been conducted by highly educated and experienced professionals. This knowledge has been passed onto pet owners world-wide via social networking, enabling responsible pet owners to provide the best of care for their animals. Recent research has shown that more naturalistic habitats add additional psychological stimuli for our pets, and many pet owners are now actively starting to engage in these new standards of husbandry.
Please take this package as CanHerp’s submission for consideration as you prepare your new Oshawa Pet Bylaw and remember CanHerp is here to collaborate with you in this development.
We look forward to hearing from you.
CanHerp
Advocating for the Canadian Pets
Download the CanHerp Prohibitive Species List