Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy yesterday stated that any prohibited animals, if removed from Nova’s Ark, will not be euthanized.
There are 355 animals on site, 74 of which are prohibited by the Town of Whitby.
“I… want to address misinformation that suggests animals removed from Nova’s Ark will be euthanized. This is not true. The intent has always been for them to be rehomed at safe, appropriate facilities,” said Mayor Roy.
Nova’s Ark has requested for an exemption from the Town of Whitby’s Prohibited and Regulated Animals Bylaw. Town staff have recommended that the bylaw exemption not be granted. However the decision rests with council.
On Monday night, Whitby’s Committee of the Whole heard several delegations related to the request. Committee voted to end the meeting at 11 pm because it was apparent that due to the high volume of registered delegations the meeting would go very late into the night, said the mayor.
“As we prepare to listen to more delegations from community members, I urge the public to become familiar with the facts. I am concerned by the significant amount of misinformation with regards to this issue,” she said.
Animal-assisted therapy
“There is no intent for Nova’s Ark to close or stop offering animal-assisted therapy. Most animals on site, such as horses, donkeys, ponies, ferrets, pigs, parrots, and alpacas are permitted under the bylaw.”
The committee will continue to hear delegations on this request at its meeting on January 8, 2024, and council is expected to vote on the exemption on January 29.
Nova’s Ark is a registered charity based in Whitby that provides programs for people of all abilities, including animal-assisted therapy.
According to a May 2023 inventory provided by Nova’s Ark, there are 355 animals on site, 74 of which violate the town’s Prohibited and Regulated Animals Bylaw, including wolves, pythons, a lynx, serval, and bobcat.
Town staff have consulted with industry professionals, considered public submissions, and reviewed emergency procedures and response plans from Nova’s Ark. The town also received written submissions from the Toronto Zoo, Reptilia, Zoocheck, and World Animal Protection Agency, which note the prohibited animals pose a risk of serious harm to patrons of Nova’s Ark.