Nova’s Ark has formally withdrawn a request for exemption from the Town of Whitby’s Prohibited and Regulated Animals Bylaw, according to Mayor Elizabeth Roy.
Whitby Council was scheduled to vote on the request on January 29. Town staff had recommended the exemption be denied on grounds some of the animals were dangerous.
A May 2023 inventory provided by Nova’s Ark lists 355 animals on site, 74 of which violate the town’s bylaw, including wolves, pythons, a lynx, serval, and bobcat.
Nova’s Ark is a registered charity based in Whitby that provides programs for people of all abilities, including animal-assisted therapy.
Mayor Roy said Nova’s Ark has indicated the prohibited animals will be rehomed to safe, appropriate facilities as soon as possible.
The majority of animals on site, such as horses, donkeys, ponies, ferrets, pigs, and alpacas are permitted under the bylaw and will remain at Nova’s Ark.
“I want to thank the team at Nova’s Ark for their cooperation on this matter and their ongoing commitment to providing therapy and programming that meets the individual needs of so many people in our community,” the mayor added.
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