[10], Despite the bill being defeated, Erskine-Smith stated “If I can see the silver lining in all of this it’s that thousands, if not millions of Canadians spoke up and showed they cared about improving our animal protection laws. Unlike dogs, cats or you and me, ectotherms depend on environmental conditions to warm themselves when they’re cold, or cool themselves down when they’re warm. Attempts to Get Around the Ban . Endangered species are subject to additional controls by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. In addition to a fenced-in yard, pet ducks should have a secure, enclosed area that can serve as a safe place to be when you can’t watch them. Reptiles are quickly gaining popularity as pets throughout homes in North America. Jurisdiction over animals is divided between the federal government and the provinces under the Constitution of Canada. A prison sentence of up to 18 months may also accompany a fine. Be sure to check out the dog parks near you! Some turtle species are protected, but a common turtle bought at a pet store is not illegal. Read our positions on exotic pets and wild and exotic animals in zoos, aquariums and other permanent captivity . Favourite answer. Cattle and other working animals have more protection than other species. Law enforcement animals have no special protection. Yes the creek that runs to the back of your property is … Answer Save. Another scenario is the release of an unhealthy turtle into a population of native turtles, possibly spreading disease to a vulnerable species. Like any pet, you need to do your research before getting a turtle or tortoise. The federal government, using its criminal law power, has created offences in the Criminal Code, in relation to animal suffering, defining the limitations and penalties in the event of breaches. Specific acts of cruelty detailed in the code are: causing unnecessary pain or suffering, administering or allowing the administration of a poisonous substance or drug, and participating in the freeing of captured birds to be shot on liberation. Within a few years, these cute twoonie-sized animals can grow up to around 28 cm; that’s almost a foot! Pet podcast #47 features an interview with our podcasting veterinarian Dr. Lee . Corn snake lover74. I have a friend who a pet Turtle , I am assuming it is an Eastern Painted, as Painted turtles seem to be quite common around my area. Marko says: December 27, 2011 at 12:55 pm. [1] The federal Parliament also has jurisdiction over the import of animals. Rodents do not require a permit except for prairie dogs, Gambian pouched rats, squirrels, or rodents from Africa. The bill also proposed to strengthen the language in criminal laws against animal cruelty, by prohibiting training and breeding animals for fighting and make it easier for prosecuting criminal neglect of animal welfare. The power around this was given to municipalities via the 2003 Ontario Municipal Act, therefore, exotic animal bylaws are not standardized, and can vary between cities and townships across the province. If it is in a pet store where you can buy it, is is legal to be bought and sold. Permits for turtle and tortoise eggs are only issued to zoos and research laboratories. I live in NC and I own a Yellow Belly. Also, turtles are legal pets in the US, any one can have one. The aquarium should be big enough that a full-grown turtle can swim around in, and the land should be solid enough to support the weight of an adult turtle. Nine Things You Need to Know Before You Buy a Pet Turtle. Illegal collection for the pet trade, road mortality and habitat destruction have led to these changes. Please help ! Relevance. Or is it legal to a wild turtle? It’s necessary to supplement the lighting for the turtle with special UVb light bulbs which are available at most pet stores. Many species of predators find pet ducks very appealing. Another important thing to know about red-eared slider behaviour is that they have to eat in the water; and they are not prim and proper eaters. The New Democratic Party also tabled its own version of the bill, C-558, in June 2008. This included the ban on the importation of shark fins, requiring labelling for fur products in Canada, and banned the importation and sale of cat and dog fur. [13], The Health of Animals Regulations must be followed for all animals in human care while in Canada. 1 decade ago. has some of the most restrictive legislation and regulations in the country on the private keeping of exotic animals. Factsheet: Painted Turtle (PDF) Pacific Coast Population. Releasing a non-native species into the environment can have a devastating impact on the local ecosystem. B.C. Predators such as raccoons eat a large number of turtle eggs each year, and some turtle species do not even breed until they are several years old, meaning that it can take many years for a population to become established. One reptile that is resurging in pet stores after a brief decline in popularity is the red-eared slider, or the “pet store turtle.” These turtles are always a draw in the pet store, and it may be really tempting to buy one on impulse, however turtles have special requirements that need to be fulfilled if they are to survive and flourish once you bring them home. The following animals are prohibited in the City of Toronto as per the Animals Bylaw . There are provincial laws banning the ownership of turtles that are native to Ontario. In Canada, these controls are administered by the Canadian Wildlife Service. … Is It Legal to Keep a Crow as a Pet in the US? I am dying to have a pet turtle but I hear it is illegal to in Toronto, Canada. [12] This bill would classify animals as sentient beings and would allow jailing animal abusers. This is one of the main reasons red-eared sliders are either given up to animal shelters, or far worse, are released in a nearby pond. A bright incandescent bulb or ceramic heater would serve as an ideal heat source. He is planning on setting the turtle free, in a large, clean pond. Would a turtle species native to Canada not be a better choice for a pet? Since turtles have the potential to carry this bacteria, it’s important to wash your hands after handling turtles or anything in their environment. 9 Answers. This bill would update many of the archaic offenses that had not changed substantially since 1892. Pet turtles and tortoises must have been in the owner’s possession in the country of origin and must accompany the owner into Canada. So, before you pick up that tiny turtle, know that one day, if provided with the right indoor environment, it will grow to be a large pet that will require a very large aquarium. In the US, all migratory birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act . The first thing that everyone considering buying a red-eared slider must know is just how big these turtles can get. Animal groups like the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies strongly opposed this bill with the support of a petition, containing almost 112,000 signatures from the Canadian public. The government is committed to taking action because of that overwhelming response,” he says. Feeding a turtle in a separate enclosure will reduce the mess in the main aquarium, but frequent water changes are needed in order to prevent the accumulation of liquid waste products that are harmful to turtles. Some dangerous exotic animals are illegal to keep as pets in B.C. This article is not a guide for proper care of all turtles, but merely highlights important issues to consider before you buy a turtle. If you are going to keep a tortoise as a pet, you’ll have … The competition for resources can result in a population decline in the native species.