The city of Port Moody is moving toward a potential ban on mobile animal programs, including petting zoos, due to concerns over animal welfare and the educational value of such events.
What Sparked the Discussion?
At a council meeting on January 21, the city’s Governance and Legislation Committee reviewed a report highlighting complaints about animal care standards during last year’s Fingerling Festival.
Environmental advocate Yan Li and manager Tatyana Bettles noted that live animal displays pose risks to both animal and public health. The BC SPCA (British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) also emphasized the psychological harm these programs can inflict on animals.
Critics argue that petting zoos and animal shows often distort natural animal behavior and promote the practice of keeping animals in captivity, which runs counter to conservation principles.
Examples from Other Communities
Similar restrictions already exist in other Metro Vancouver communities:
Chilliwack has banned performances involving wild animals.
New Westminster permits only domesticated animals in shows.
Port Moody may follow suit by either implementing new policies or updating existing regulations to restrict such programs, with possible exemptions for legitimate animal rescue organizations.
A Shift Toward Animal Welfare
The proposed ban reflects a significant shift in the city’s approach: in 2019, there was a suggestion to host a petting zoo on city grounds. Now, following the recent rodeo ban, Councillor Kayla Knowles sees this as an opportunity for Port Moody to lead in animal welfare initiatives.
🌍 If adopted, the ban would represent a meaningful step toward a more ethical and responsible approach to animal interactions within the community.