The operator of a reptile rescue in Langley says Port Moody’s intent to ban mobile live animal presentations from the city puts his facility at risk of shutting down.
Mike Hopcraft, of Wild Education, told council Tuesday, March 11, that his group’s rescues of animals like lizards, spiders, scorpions, snakes and turtles rely on the income from private tours of its facility as well as live and interactive mobile presentations. He said a ban in Port Moody could lead to similar prohibitions in other cities.
And while several councillors expressed support for Hopcraft’s efforts, they indicated they’re unlikely to veer from an outright ban when the new corporate policy comes back from staff for their consideration.
Hopcroft said Wild Education is the largest reptile rescue in Western Canada, often taking in animals that other rescue service can’t accommodate.
He said because animals like lizards and spiders “aren’t cute puppies,” they’re often put down if not for rescues like Wild Education. Many end up living out their lives at the rescue.
“We deal with animals that people believe should be killed if they’re seen,” Hopcroft said. “It makes it difficult to get funding.”
According to the rescue’s website, a private one-hour tour of its Langley location where the animals are housed costs $25 per person or $120 for a group of six. It will also bring a selection of animals for hands-on presentations to birthday parties, schools, daycares, corporate and community events.
Hopcroft said all his animals are rescues or were surrendered to his group.
“We’re not taking animals from the wild,” he said. “We don’t breed our animals for presentations.”
Several people in the gallery at Inlet Theatre expressed support for Wild Education’s programming. One said being able to see the animals up close helped show they “aren’t scary.” Another suggested they help the public realize the extent of care it takes to be able to shelter and feed lizards and snakes.
But Coun. Kyla Knowles, who initially introduced the motion to prohibit mobile presentations of live animals from alighting in Port Moody, said there’s growing public awareness about animal welfare.
“Public sentiment is shifting against using live animals in presentations,” adding the lack of any kind of provincial regulations or standards makes it difficult to enforce any kind of standard of care on such programming.
Last month, council also endorsed a resolution to the Union of BC Municipalities calling for such regulations and standards.
Coun. Haven Lurbiecki said animal rescues need to find other ways to fund their work than trekking around to birthday parties.
“This is about caring for animals.”
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