B.C. is banning potentially dangerous exotic pets two years after a woman in the Cariboo was mauled and killed by a caged tiger in full view of her children.
Tania Dumstrey-Soos, 32, of Bridge Lake, B.C., died in May 2007 when a caged tiger reached through the bars of its cage and severed an artery in the back of her leg.
The animal was one of several tigers and lions that her fiancé kept for display on their property.
“(The death) was completely needless and unnecessary,” said Barry Penner, B.C.’s environment minister. “It really did bring public attention that we need to take steps here in British Columbia.”
The new Controlled Alien Species Regulation, which came into effect on Monday, lists a number of species, like tigers, alligators and pythons, that people are prohibited from owning.
“There are many examples of people being seriously injured or killed in North America by wild animals that are not native to this continent.”
Owners of animals that were in B.C. prior to Monday must apply for a permit to keep their pets. The animals cannot be bred, nor released.
