A spectacled caiman, an alligator-like reptile, was discovered living illegally in a Toronto home for over a decade. The owner was unaware of the city’s bylaws prohibiting the possession of such animals. Toronto Animal Services rehomed the caiman to a non-profit zoo and waived the fine due to the owner’s lack of knowledge.
An alligator-like reptile has found a new home after city staff discovered it had been living in a Toronto residence for over a decade, contrary to the city's bylaws. Toronto Animal Services says it was alerted in December about a spectacled caiman, a reptile that's part of the same animal family as alligators and crocodiles, at a home in the city.
The owner had been in possession of the caiman for 12 years but was unaware that it was illegal, said Jasmine Herzog, manager of the enforcement and mobile response unit for Toronto Animal Services. The owner agreed to hand over the animal voluntarily and it was relocated to the Indian River Reptile Zoo, a non-profit zoo located east of Peterborough, Herzog said in an email. The caiman has been relocated to the Indian River Reptile Zoo, a non-profit zoo located east of Peterborough, Toronto Animal Services said. The fine for having a prohibited animal is $240, but the city agreed to waive the fine for this owner because they had no prior knowledge of the bylaw. Herzog says this case highlights the importance of knowing which animals aren't allowed in Toronto 'and to fully research the needs of any pet prior to bringing one into your home.' Other animals that are banned under the city's prohibited animals bylaw include ducks, chimpanzees and other primates, bats, coyotes, goats, bears — and the city's unofficial, garbage bin-raiding mascot, the raccoon.
Toronto Caiman Reptile Illegal Pet Animal Bylaws Indian River Reptile Zoo
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Toronto Public Health warns of possible measles exposure at Toronto Pearson AirportToronto health officials are warning that travellers at Toronto Pearson Airport Terminal 1 may have been exposed to measles this week.
Read more »
Crocodile-like Creature Bited Flying Reptile 76 Million Years Ago in AlbertaFossil evidence from Dinosaur Provincial Park reveals a crocodile-like creature bit a juvenile flying reptile 76 million years ago, offering insight into predator-prey dynamics during the Cretaceous period.
Read more »
Firefighters help rescue 10-foot alligator from Florida storm drainCape Coral firefighters helped rescue an alligator from a storm drain Saturday morning.
Read more »
Canadian News Roundup: Tall Buildings, Tariffs, and Alligator RescuesA collection of top stories from Canada, including local concerns, international relations, political developments, and lifestyle trends.
Read more »
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow's Star Trek ConnectionToronto Mayor Olivia Chow displays a model USS Toronto, a Parliament-class Star Trek vessel, in her office. Chow, a lifelong fan since her childhood in Hong Kong, shares her memories of watching 'Star Trek: The Original Series' and her admiration for Captain Kirk. The news also highlights Toronto's growing prominence in the Star Trek universe, with several productions, including 'Star Trek: Discovery', 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy', and 'Star Trek: Section 31', filmed at Toronto studios.
Read more »
Toronto Jewelry Store Owner Uses Broomstick to Fight Off RobbersWhen three masked individuals attempted to rob Jewellery Forever in Toronto, owner Jerry Sorani bravely defended his store using a broomstick. The suspects fled empty-handed after Sorani confronted them, but the incident has left him concerned about the lack of consequences for repeat offenders.
Read more »