City launches legal action against Reptilia, but indoor zoo remains open
CTV
Less than two months after opening its doors to the public, Reptilia is being taken to court by city hall. An application filed in Superior Court by the city will move the issue in front of a judge for a decision.
Less than two months after opening its doors to the public, Reptilia is being taken to court by city hall.
An application filed in Superior Court by the city will move the issue in front of a judge for a decision.
“The Respondents applied to city council three times seeking an exemption to the Animal Control By-Law which would allow them to exhibit Class 7 animals. Each time the Respondents have approached council, council has denied their request,” reads the court filing.
The lawyer representing Reptilia, Michal Lerner of Lerners LLP, maintains the position that provincial licensing rules exempt the facility from the municipal by-law and will oppose the application.
“We are licensed by the Province of Ontario. That entitles us to one of the exemptions set out in the by-law,” Lerner told CTV News.
In its application to the court the city laid out its argument, “The by-law contains an exemption for zoos that are licensed by a municipal or other governmental authority. The only licence available is under the Provincial Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, which permits certain native species to be kept. The keeping of other animals is not regulated by the Province.”
On June 6, animal rights advocates demonstrated outside city hall calling for enforcement of the municipal by-law because Reptilia exhibits exotic species including crocodiles, snakes and lizards.
