There will be no exemption to the exotic animal bylaw for a young business owner, for the time being at least.
During the latest Bracebridge general committee meeting, councillors voted 5-2 against a motion directing staff to consider an exemption to the Exotic and Wild Animal Control By-law to allow the operation of an animal program.
The motion came forward after council received an exemption request from Amanda Foley, the owner of Amanda’s Exotic Animals. The business is currently based elsewhere in Ontario but Foley is seeking to return to her hometown of Bracebridge and operate educational programs.
Mayor Rick Maloney said he had many questions and concerns. He said Gravenhurst and Huntsville have essentially the same restrictions as Bracebridge currently and loosening restrictions in Bracebridge could come with risks.
“I’m concerned that by offering an exemption we are not looking at public safety,” he said.
Coun. Tatiana Sutherland said she was also concerned that Bracebridge could become a haven for housing exotic animals if the conditions were loosened.
Coun. Barb McMurray cited recent outbreaks of salmonella involving snakes and other reptiles as another source of concern.
“I fear for the young children. It’s not responsible of us to allow this exemption,” said McMurray.
Coun. Barry Hammond said exotic animals are already coming into the community via companies like Zoo to You. He said it made more sense to allow a local business to drive a few minutes to do a show than an outside business to drive 90 minutes. He pointed out the motion was an exemption and not an overhaul of the existing bylaws.
“I don’t think we’re adjusting the bylaw to make it legal to carry a boa in your Chevy,” he said.
Staff clarified that currently businesses like Zoo to You are not permitted to bring exotic animals into Bracebridge, as it constituents a violation of the Towns’ bylaws.
Ultimately councillors Hammond and Dkn Smith supported the motion but the rest of the committee voted against.
It was suggested that perhaps staff and Foley could have informal discussions to try and find a solution.
The decision must still be ratified during Wednesday evening’s Town council meeting. Foley is scheduled to speak as a delegation at the start of that meeting, which begins at 2:30 pm.
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