Ontario Launches Provincewide Zoo Licensing Rules

Summary#

• Bill 35 creates a province‑wide licensing system for zoos in Ontario. Its goal is to protect animal welfare and public safety, and to set clear, consistent rules.

• It limits who can keep wild animals, bans entertainment uses of wild animals, and gives inspectors stronger powers to check and enforce standards.

• Key changes:

  • Anyone who runs a zoo must get a licence and meet set standards of care and safety.
  • People generally cannot acquire, keep, trade, breed, or use wild animals unless they are a licensed zoo or fall under narrow exceptions set in regulations.
  • Zoos must submit an animal inventory, site plan, emergency plan, proof of insurance, and meet staff training requirements.
  • Annual inspections are required; inspectors can order fixes and can remove animals from unlicensed zoos.
  • Licences can be suspended or revoked (with a right to a hearing); temporary suspensions are allowed in the public interest.
  • Fines can reach up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for companies for key violations.

What it means for you#

• Zoo operators

  • You must hold a licence to establish, run, or maintain a zoo. Licences are not transferable.
  • To apply, you must provide: staff training standards, a full animal inventory, a site plan, an emergency plan (for escapes, attacks, disasters, power failures, disease), proof of liability insurance, and fees.
  • You must not use wild animals for entertainment (for example: photo sessions, public feeding, animal encounters, rides, or unnatural tricks).
  • Your zoo will be inspected each year. If inspectors find problems, you must fix them.
  • The Registrar can set licence conditions, and can refuse, suspend, or revoke your licence. You can request a hearing.
  • To renew each year, you must have had an inspection and have no outstanding orders. You must file an updated animal inventory by April 30 each year.
  • Existing zoos can keep operating for one year after the law takes effect while they get licensed. The Minister may set conditions during this period.

• Private owners of wild animals (not zoos)

  • You generally cannot get or keep wild animals unless allowed by future regulations.
  • If you already own a wild animal when the law starts, you may keep it for the rest of its life, but you cannot breed it or use it for entertainment.
  • You must register the animal, accept yearly inspections, and follow any orders. Not registering can lead to fines.

• Visitors and the public

  • Expect fewer hands‑on activities with wild animals at zoos. There should be stronger safety measures and animal care standards.
  • Government will receive annual reports on zoo locations, animals held, inspections, and any ongoing concerns.

• Local governments

  • Municipal by‑laws still apply. The Registrar will check that zoos follow local rules as well as provincial ones.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Improves animal welfare and public safety by setting clear, province‑wide standards and banning entertainment uses that stress animals or put people at risk.
• Cracks down on substandard or roadside zoos by requiring licences and allowing removal of animals from unlicensed facilities.
• Creates regular oversight through annual inspections and reporting to the Minister.
• Focuses zoos on education and conservation, with future rules to support conservation work.
• Provides one main licence for zoos, reducing overlap with other wildlife licences.

Opponents' View#

• Adds costs and paperwork for zoos, especially small or rural ones (insurance, training, facility upgrades, compliance).
• Banning animal encounters and shows may reduce revenue and limit educational programs that involve handling.
• Broad power to suspend a licence “in the public interest” may feel uncertain or risky for operators.
• Many details will come later in regulations (standards, training, fees), making it hard to plan.
• Some zoos may close if they can’t meet requirements, which could create challenges and costs for relocating animals.
• Limits on private ownership and required inspections of current owners may be seen as intrusive.