The city council of Port Moody, British Columbia, is receiving mixed responses to its recent decision to prohibit mobile live animal shows and petting zoos. This unprecedented move, which involves banning these programs from operating on both public and private property within the city, was announced on Tuesday.

Nadia Xenakis, a specialist in wild animals with the BC SPCA, applauds the decision, noting that Port Moody is the first municipality to make such a ruling. Xenakis points out that these events, which typically target families and children, often display exotic and wild animals brought into Canada from other countries.

The proposed policy has also garnered support from the Vancouver Humane Society, which holds that live demonstrations can compromise the animals’ physical and mental health, as well as pose a risk to public health and safety. Xenakis further explains that it is incredibly challenging to ensure the five freedoms of animal welfare for wild animals in captivity, particularly during these events.

However, not everyone is on board with the ban. Mike Hopcraft, owner of Wild Education BC, a reptile rescue center that offers mobile presentations and tours, expresses his disappointment with the decision. He argues that his organization is not exploiting animals, but rather educating people about them, in order to reduce their intake.

Despite the backlash, the BC SPCA maintains that research indicates these programs have “little positive educational value.” The organization hopes that Port Moody’s decision will inspire other local and provincial governments to reevaluate their policies and regulations surrounding petting zoos.