“We applaud Hamilton City Council for bringing in accreditation-based licensing for zoological institutions in the City,” said CAZA Executive Director Massimo Bergamini. “Council’s decision means that only facilities that abide by the highest standards of animal care and public safety will now be able to keep and exhibit exotic animals.”

The City of Hamilton is following in the footsteps of a growing number of Ontario municipalities, in adopting bylaws requiring CAZA accreditation for the keeping of exotic animals.

“CAZA accreditation is increasingly recognized as the benchmark for quality animal care and welfare in Canada with more and more governments at all levels incorporating the CAZA standards in their animal welfare and management policies and regulations,” said Bergamini.

Inspection teams, which include at least one veterinarian and a senior zoology professional, conduct thorough audits of all aspects of operation including animal care, enrichment, nutrition, conservation, research, education, security, public safety, financial stability and administration.

Following the Campbellton tragedy where two little boys were asphyxiated by a python, CAZA launched a national campaign urging all governments to adopt an accreditation-based licensing system for zoos and aquariums and tougher rules and enforcement for the keeping of exotic animals.

SOURCE Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA)