Regulations in US and Canada.

There are few regulations surrounding tiger trade and their captivity that are often unclear and lack enforcement.  The United States has a large number of tigers largely due to legislation because only 19 states have banned private ownership of tigers, a few only requires a license, but 16 states still have no regulations at all (Bornfreeusa, 2012).

In the United States alone, there are an estimated 5000 tigers in captivity, more than exist in the wild.  Huge gaps in U.S. regulations for tigers held in captivity could make the big cats a target for illegal trade (Viltz, 2008).  A report, Paper Tigers?: The Role of the U.S. Captive Tiger Population in the Trade in Tiger Parts, found there are no reliable regulatory mechanisms to keep track of captive tigers in the United States (Viltz).  While the report showed no evidence of captive tigers in the U.S. as a supply for the international black market of tiger parts, the weak U.S. regulations could very well make them vulnerable to illegal trade unless the issue is immediately addressed.

The BC Ministry of Environment introduced new regulations to the Wildlife Act on March 17, 2009 which legally designate over 1000 non-native species, previously unregulated, as “Controlled Alien Species” (SPCA).  These species can no longer be brought, sold, bred or kept in B.C. for private ownership.  Individuals that had one of these animals before March 16, 2009 will have to apply for a permit and meet standards to keep the animal for the rest of its life.  Amongst these species, sub-family Pantherinae are prohibited in B.C.

For the purposes of Controlled Alien Species Regulation, a commercial zoo is to be a place or enclosure where animals are kept in captivity for public display and are an institution accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), that keeps animals in captivity (while promoting the welfare of animals) for the purpose of maintaining genetic diversity, or encouraging the advancement of conservation, education, or science.  Commercial zoos will be required to have permits for possession, breeding, or shipping/transporting a Controlled Alien Species after March 31, 2010.  According to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, there is currently no charge for permits.  Circuses or the film industry also require permits to possess Controlled Alien Species.  In the film industry, if the animal resides in B.C., the owner of the animal must apple for a personal use permit, and the film industry must apply for, and obtain a non-personal use permit.  If the animal does not reside in B.C., the film industry must apply for, and obtain a permit to possess a Transitory Controlled Alien Species Permit.  The terms of the permit state that the animal can only remain in B.C. for a short period of time, and it must leave B.C. within a specific time frame (Fish and Wildlife).

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