Landmark Bill Re-Introduced in Ontario to Protect Captive Wildlife and Regulate Zoos
TORONTO, May 29, 2025 /CNW/ - Two Ontario MPPs have taken a groundbreaking step towards improving animal welfare and public safety with the introduction of the Captive Wildlife Protection Act, 2025. World Animal Protection, a global leader in animal welfare, joined MPPs Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa-Vanier, Karen McCrimmon, MPP for Kanata-Carleton, and Dolf DeJong, CEO of the Toronto Zoo to announce the bill today.
The Act aims to address the lack of provincial oversight for captive wildlife, which currently allows anyone to collect wild animals like lions and tigers and operate as a zoo, resulting in the proliferation of dangerous and cruel "roadside zoos". These attractions often keep wild animals in substandard conditions, risking public safety and causing animal suffering. Ontario is the weakest jurisdiction when it comes to regulating the keeping of wild animals, and so it's no surprise then that Ontario is home to the highest number of these dangerous facilities across Canada. No licence or permit is needed to keep non-native wild animals in a zoo, leaving municipalities to manage with ineffective and inconsistent bylaws. Shockingly— anyone can own a zoo in Ontario. Furthermore, Ontario is also the weakest jurisdiction for not having public safety standards or strong enough, adequately enforced animal welfare standards.
The proposed bill introduces mandatory licensing for zoos, along with annual inspections to enforce high standards of care and safety. It also prohibits the use of wild animals for entertainment purposes, such as petting sessions, photo opportunities and performances that compromise their welfare. Facilities will be required to meet clear licensing requirements, including proof of financial resources and emergency preparedness plans.
The bill covers well-known locations and tourist attractions, all the way down to backyard operations. Under this bill, attractions like Marineland —an entertainment park that keeps marine and terrestrial animals captive, with a deeply concerning record of animal welfare practices and a string of animal deaths—would almost entirely cease to exist. It represents a major shift towards protecting vulnerable animals and creating safer communities across Ontario.
Quotes
"Ontario has a troubling history of unregulated facilities keeping wild animals in unsafe and inhumane conditions. The Captive Wildlife Protection Act is a critical step to protect animals and safeguard our communities." – Colin Saravanamuttoo, Executive Director, World Animal Protection
"Keeping exotic wild animals in inadequate conditions is not only harmful to the animals but also dangerous for the public. Owning and caring for wild animals should be restricted to qualified individuals and organizations who are subject to proper government oversight. It is long past time for Ontario to implement a regulatory framework for the keeping of wild animals in order to ensure the well-being of the animals and keep the public safe." – Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa-Vanier
"We owe our communities the safety and peace of mind that comes with properly regulated zoos. That means safety for guests, for employees, and for animals. The humane treatment of these exotic animals is not a burden, but the bare minimum for a safe and ethical industry in Ontario." – Karen McCrimmon, MPP for Kanata-Carleton
"The safety and well-being of both animals and people depend on these regulations. This act sends a clear message: substandard conditions and neglect have no place in Ontario. As wildlife advocates, we are committed to being a leader in wildlife conservation and education. Your Toronto Zoo strongly supports these steps to protect animals and communities alike."
– Dolf DeJong, CEO, Toronto Zoo
Quick Facts
Ontario has approximately 30 roadside zoos—more than any other province in Canada—operating without provincial license and much regulation.
88% of Ontarians support provincial licensing and oversight of zoos.
Nearly half of Ontario's municipalities have no bylaws governing the keeping of wild animals, leaving communities vulnerable to safety risks.
Roadside zoos often house wild animals in substandard conditions, leading to psychological distress and safety risks for animals and visitors.
There is no centralized registry in Ontario tracking where exotic animals are kept or how many exist in captivity, leaving communities vulnerable to unreported escapes and safety incidents.
The Captive Wildlife Protection Act 2025, brings Ontario in line with regulations in other provinces for the treatment of captive animals, setting a precedent for better welfare protections.
This legislation is supported by leading animal welfare organizations, municipalities and cross-party members of the Ontario Legislature.
About World Animal Protection
World Animal Protection is an international animal welfare charity with 75 years of experience advocating for the humane treatment of animals worldwide. In Canada, the organization works to protect wild and farm animals through evidence-based solutions that benefit both animals and people.
We have been assessing the conditions of zoos in Canada and advocating for stronger regulations for three decades. We have been members of the Ontario government's animal welfare advisory table to provide input on animal welfare regulations and standards, to further improve the lives of animals across the province.
About the Toronto Zoo
At your Toronto Zoo, we envision a world where people, animals and wild species thrive. Our mission is to connect people, animals, conservation science and traditional knowledge to fight extinction.
The reality for many species is simple: Out of sight, out of mind and off the planet. Climate change and biodiversity loss are accelerating at an alarming rate, and we know we can make a difference. Over the last 50 years, we have hosted over 60 million guests, creating memories that last a lifetime while educating them about the realities facing our planet, and what they can do to help. Our Zoo is a zoo for all, a place for people from all walks of life to join us in our mission to create meaningful and lasting change, and to become Guardians of Wild.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
9 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Saturday, June 21, 2025 Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Note: All times local National Capital Region, Canada 1:00 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in an event to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day. Closed to media This document is also available at SOURCE Prime Minister's Office
Cision Canada
9 hours ago
- Cision Canada
CBSA issues a temporary halt on removals to Israel
OTTAWA, ON, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued a temporary halt on removals to Israel. This measure is being taken given the volatile and unpredictable situation in Israel due to ongoing hostilities with Iran. The temporary halt, known as an Administrative Deferral of Removals (ADR), is imposed pursuant to paragraph 230(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, on countries that are considered unsafe due to conditions such as environmental disasters or violence. There are currently 16 ADRs in place for countries around the world, including one for Iran which was imposed on November 14, 2022. The ADR does not apply to individuals who are inadmissible on grounds of criminality, serious criminality, international or human rights violations, organized crime, or security. Once the situation in Israel stabilizes and the circumstances no longer pose a generalized risk to the entire civilian population, the ADR will be lifted and the CBSA will resume removals for individuals who are inadmissible to Canada and have a removal order that is enforceable. Quick Facts
Cision Canada
10 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Statement from Dennis Darby, President & CEO, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters regarding passage of C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, in the House of Commons
OTTAWA, ON, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) welcomes today's passage of Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, through the House of Commons. This legislation marks a meaningful first step toward fixing Canada's fragmented and inefficient approach to infrastructure approvals - one that has held back investment, delayed major projects, and weakened our economic competitiveness. From highways and ports to pipelines and clean energy infrastructure, Canada needs to get major projects moving - faster. Bill C-5 can help pave the way for clearer oversight, reduced duplication and greater government accountability, all of which are vital building the infrastructure our economy depends on. But this is only the beginning. The passage of Bill C-5 must not be the end of the conversation - it must be the starting point for a broader transformation. The federal government must now turn its attention to a much harder task: tackling the underlying web of outdated legislation, regulatory inefficiencies, and policy contradictions that have made a bill like this necessary in the first place. Until those deeper barriers are addressed, Canada will continue to struggle to attract private sector investment in the kinds of projects - big and small, urban and rural - that create jobs, grow communities, and position our economy for long-term success. Manufacturers are looking for outcomes, not just intentions. We look forward to the Bill passing in the Senate so that we can build on this momentum and do the hard work needed to truly unlock Canada's potential. About Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) From the first industrial boom in Canada, CME has advocated for and represented member interests. 150 years strong, CME has earned an extensive and effective track record of working for thousands of leading companies nationwide. More than 85 per cent of CME's members are SMEs and collectively account for an estimated 82 per cent of total manufacturing production and 90 per cent of Canada's exports.
