WINNIPEG—Images of dead and emaciated exotic birds rescued from a home in Winnipeg are difficult to see, but they are a direct consequence of the City’s failure to set any limits on the number of animals, other than dogs and cats, that can be kept in people’s homes.
Back in 2022, the City was on track to strengthen the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw (RPO Bylaw) to set reasonable numbers on the number of birds, snakes, rabbits, and other animals that can be kept in homes.
These common-sense amendments were backed by Animal Justice and several local and national animal protection groups. Sadly, the review was suddenly and unexpectedly cut short by a City Council Standing Committee. Veterinarians and rescue groups warned that this would allow breeding and hoarding situations to proliferate in the City, leaving vulnerable animals to suffer.
“This cruel tragedy should be a wake-up call to our elected officials,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, Winnipeg-based lawyer and director of legal advocacy with Animal Justice.
“Since City Council stopped its review of the RPO Bylaw more than three years ago, birds and other companion animals have continued to suffer in irresponsible breeding operations and hoarding situations in the City. I applaud Animal Services for bringing the suffering of these birds to light—all too often, the public does not see the animals seized from horrific conditions, leaving the problem out of sight and out of mind.”
“Unfortunately, the situation with these birds is just the tip of the iceberg. I recently learned through Kijiji that a massive ball python breeder is operating just blocks from my home in the city. This situation needs to change— now is the time for Council to strengthen the RPO Bylaw to address the proliferation of animal hoarding and breeding operations in the city.”
Contact:
Josh Lynn
Public Relations Manager
[email protected]
Katilyn Mitchell
Director of Legal Advocacy
[email protected]