Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums applaud New Brusnwick's bi-partisan leadership on exotic animal and zoo licensing rules

FREDERICTON, Dec. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - The adoption today by a unanimous vote of the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly of a motion calling for a provincial action plan to fix the existing exotic animal and zoo licensing rules was hailed as an example for other jurisdictions by Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA).

"What we saw in the Legislature today, sets an example we hope other legislatures and governments will follow, when it comes to addressing the issues around the keeping of exotic animals and licensing of zoos," said Massimo Bergamini, CAZA Executive Director.

"By eliminating political gamesmanship from the equation, this kind of bi-partisan approach clears the way for a thorough examination of the current system and the development of a plan to fix it."

"New Brunswick is leading the way, not only in Atlantic Canada, but in the rest of the country on what is becoming more and more of a public safety, public health and animal welfare concern."

Bergamini was in Fredericton along with Bruce Dougan, Manager of the Magnetic Hill Zoo to meet with legislators and government to push for clearer, tougher and better enforced rules around exotic animals and zoo and aquariums and to offer CAZA's ongoing support for their efforts.

SOURCE: Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA)

Massimo Bergamini
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