Overview

• The government has formally proposed regulations under the Wildlife Act to prohibit breeding, sale and future ownership of all non-native, non-domesticated cat species.
• Dozens of species including servals, caracals, ocelots, fishing cats and jungle cats would be added to B.C.’s Controlled Alien Species list.
• Current exotic cat owners would be grandfathered under a free-permit system and required to meet new care and containment standards while acquisition of new animals is banned.
• The move follows public safety, environmental and animal welfare concerns after four servals escaped Vancouver Island properties in 2022, killing pets and wildlife.
• A public consultation period is now open, inviting citizens and experts to submit feedback to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship before finalizing the regulations.