Request to Review Chapter 349, Animals Exception for Reptilia Zoo

Reptilia's existing locations also have ancillary business functions such as adopting out reptiles, and the retail sale of food and equipment for keeping reptiles as pets. The company has been in discussions with Harbourfront Centre as a prospective tenant. Reptilia's proposed program includes animals that fall under the Prohibited Animals list in Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, Animals. ECDC has requested that staff consider the specific species that would be permitted if the Animals Bylaw was amended to provide a site-specific exception for Reptilia's operations, and the health and safety implications associated with City Council granting an exception. To respond to this request, staff undertook targeted stakeholder consultation and research on the implications of such an exception, including those related to health and safety, animal welfare, and economic development. Based on the findings of this work, staff do not recommend amending the bylaw to grant a site-specific exception to the Animals Bylaw. While this report recommends against an exception, staff note that the company can still pursue its operations without housing species listed in the Prohibited Animals list. This report was written in consultation with Economic Development and Culture, Toronto Public Health, and Corporate Real Estate Management.