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Title
1.
This Bylaw is entitled the "Exotic Pet By-Law".
Definitions
2.
In this ByLaw:
a)
"Exotic pet" means any animal, both native and exotic, not being a domestic dog,
domestic cat, or livestock;
b)
"Livestock" means cattle, horses, ponies, mules, sheep, pigs, domestic fowl, and
goats;
c)
"Owner" means and includes any person or company who possesses, owns, has
the care or control of, or harbours an exotic pet;
d)
"Shelter" means such premises and facilities designated by the Town as shelters
for the keeping and disposition of seized animals;
e)
"Town" means the Town of Truro;
f)
"Town Staff" means the By-law Enforcement Officer/Animal Control Officer,
Peace Officer, or any person appointed by the CAO or Town Council to act on the
Town's behalf for the purposes of this By-law;
3.
No owner of an exotic pet to which this By-law applies, or who is the parent, guardian, or
custodian of a minor who is an owner of an exotic pet shall cause, permit, or suffer the
animal to be at large.
4.
For the purposes of this By-law, an animal is deemed to be at large when it is off the
property of the owner and is not under the physical restraint and control of some person
by means of:
a)
Enclosure within an escape-proof building with the permission of the building's
owner;
Town of Truro - Bylaws
Subject:
Exotic Pets Bylaw
Bylaw Number:
B160-012
Approval Date:
July 8, 2013
Departments:
Planning & Development
b)
Enclosure within an escape-proof aquarium, pen, cage, or container of durable
construction; or
c)
Being securely tethered on a leash, harness, chain, or other device in an escape-
proof manner, provided that this sub-clause shall not apply to reptiles, arachnids,
amphibians, or insects.
5.
Town Staff may, without notice to or complaint against the owner, destroy on sight an
exotic animal to which this By-law applies where Town Staff believes, on reasonable
grounds:
a)
The animal poses a danger to a person or to property of persons other than the
owner; and
b)
Destroying the animal is the only way to protect the person or property from
harm.
6.
Town Staff may, without notice to or complaint against the owner, seize an animal they
believe, on reasonable grounds, to be an exotic animal and turn it over to a shelter who
will provide for its care, should:
a)
The animal pose an immediate threat; or
b)
The animal not be in the proper care and control of its owner.
7.
If Town Staff seizes an exotic animal pursuant to s 6:
a)
And Town Staff is able to determine the name and address of the owner of the
animal:
i)
Town Staff shall give notice by hand delivery or by regular mail to the last
known address of the owner that the animal has been seized, and that the
owner has seven (7) days from the date of the notice to show cause, in
writing or orally to Town Staff, why the animal should not be placed for
adoption or destroyed;
ii)
If the owner shows cause to Town Staff within seven (7) days that the
animal should not be placed for adoption or destroyed, Town Staff shall
release the animal to the owner;
iii)
If the owner does not show cause to Town Staff within seven (7) days that
the animal should not be placed for adoption or destroyed, Town Staff
may place for adoption or destroy the animal;
b)
If Town Staff is not able to determine the name and address of the owner of the
animal, and the owner does not come forward and show cause that the animal
should not be placed for adoption or destroyed within seven (7) days from the
date the animal was seized, Town Staff may place for adoption or destroy the
animal.
8.
The owner of an exotic animal seized pursuant to s 6 shall be liable for all expenses
incurred by the Town in relation to seizure, including housing and medical treatment of
the animal.
9.
Any person who contravenes this By-law is guilty of an offence punishable on summary
conviction of:
a)
A fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1000; and
b)
Imprisonment of not more than six (6) months in default of payment thereof.