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Clerk's
Report
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Report To: General Government Committee
Date of Meeting: May 27, 2019
Report Number: CLD -013-19
File Number:
Resolution: GG -327-19
By-law Number: 2019-041
Report Subject: Status of Jungle Cat World under the Exotic Animal By-law
Recommendations:
1. That Report CLD -013-19 be received;
2. That the By-law attached as Attachment 1 to Report CLD -013-19 be approved; and
3. That all interested parties listed in Report CLD -013-19 and any delegations be advised
of Council's decision.
Municipality of Clarington
Report CLD -013-19
Report Overview
Page 2
Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park is a zoological park open to residents and visitors of
Clarington. The Park offers a unique opportunity to see and experience exotic species in a
secure, up -close and personal environment. At the December 10, 2018 General
Government Committee meeting, correspondence from Canada's Accredited Zoos and
Aquariums (CAZA) stating that Jungle Cat World was no longer CAZA certified was referred
to staff for further information. This report details the history of Jungle Cat World, zoning and
requirements under Clarington's Exotic Animal By-law 2012-045.
1. Background
1.1 At the December 10, 2018 General Government Committee meeting, correspondence
was received from CAZA stating that Jungle Cat World was no longer CAZA certified.
Because CAZA certification is required to continue operation as per the Exotic Animal
By-law, the correspondence was referred to staff for additional information (Resolution #
JC -011-18).
1.2 Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park, formally Orono Exotic Cat World, is located at 3667
Concession Road 6 in Orono and has been operating since 1983. The park officially
opened to the public in 1985. What started out as a professional hobby has evolved into
a prominent zoological park. Jungle Cat World's stated mission is to protect and
conserve the natural world, offering a range of wildlife education programs and
engaging experiences to the public. For years the Park has been a widely -known
Clarington attraction.
1.3 CAZA is a private charitable organization that recognizes zoos and aquariums for their
high standards of animal care and commitment to conservation of animals and quality
education. CAZA sets standards that must be met by zoological facilities in order to
obtain accreditation. The accreditation process involves annual on-site inspections and
identifying and implementing best practices in animal welfare.
1.4 By 1989, Jungle Cat World was fully accredited by CAZA and it maintained its
membership in good standing until last year.
1.5 Jungle Cat World also obtained, and currently possesses, several other memberships
and accreditations including the International Species Information System (ISIS),
American Association of Zoo Keepers, and Ontario Camps Association. Each of these
organizations focuses on delivering professionalism, safety, education and animal care
of the highest standard.
1.6 In 2018, CAZA changed their Accreditation Standards, making it mandatory for its
member institutions to provide an onsite facility/room used for the examination,
treatment and isolation of animals, and to provide a minimum of one scheduled on-site
visit every two weeks by their consulting veterinarian. The mandatory facility/room is
required to be adequately furnished to accommodate such
examinations/treatments/isolations. Members of CAZA are required to meet all
standards in order to maintain or receive accreditation.
Municipality of Clarington
Resort CLD -013-19
Page 3
1.7 To suitably meet the CAZA standard, a significant investment to build the facility/room
and acquire the furnishings to accommodate their diverse animal collection places a
significant financial burden on Jungle Cat World. In the best interest of the park and
financial stability, Jungle Cat World decided to forgo their CAZA accreditation as the
standards mentioned above would not be met.
1.8 As CAZA has evolved over the years, and continues to evolve accreditation
requirements, smaller, privately owned and operated parks cannot continue to meet
these standards. In a discussion with Jungle Cat World's Program Director, Peter
Klose, he verified a long standing and successful relationship with Dr. Maser at Cavan
Hills Vet Clinic. No issues involving the care, examination or treatment of animals have
resulted since the opening of the zoo.
1.9 Jungle Cat World has in place a series of safety standards, policies and procedures at
the park. Such standards include: Code of Ethics and Conduct, Animal Escape and
Unplanned Contact, Fire and Fire Safety Plan, Medical Emergency, Venomous Animals,
Zoonotic Diseases, Environmental Conservation, Animals in Educational Programming,
Biosafety, Animal Acquisition and Disposition, Research, Mobile Phones, Smoking,
Substance Abuse, Grievances, Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information,
Evaluation of Educational Activities, Lost/Missing Person, Behavioural Enrichment,
Animal Transport, Education Plan and Risk Management. All standards, policies and
procedures for the Park reference CAZA Code of Professional Ethics and AZA
(Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Code of Professional Ethics. These standards,
policies and procedures were followed during Jungle Cat World's time as a CAZA
Accredited member and continue to be followed.
1.10 Staff consulted with Clarington's Planning Department to determine the zoning history of
the property at 3667 Concession Road 6. The zoning of the property was Special
Provision "A-18" in the Consolidated Zoning By-law 1592 for The Corporation of the
Township of Clarke. Special Provision "A-18" included the permitted land use for one
single family detached dwelling and buildings and structures accessory thereto, a
fitness centre, dog kennel, private zoo, pet cemetery, souvenir shop and snack bar. The
zoning was later changed to "A-15" with the initial passing of the Zoning By-law 84-63 of
the Corporation of the Town of Newcastle, on September 10, 1984 and continues to be
zoned as such. The permitted uses in the "A-15" zone includes single family dwelling,
fitness centre, dog kennel, animal enclosure (large and small), temporary holding areas,
private zoo and campground area, the same uses as those permitted in 1979.
1.11 In 1991, Council passed By-law 91-52, a By-law regarding the regulating and keeping of
animals within the Town of Newcastle, such as those found at Jungle Cat World.
Section 7 of this by-law provided that the By-law exempt any area lawfully used as a
zoo, pursuant to the provisions of the Town of Newcastle Zoning By-law 84-63. Orono
Exotic Cat World was operating in compliance with By-law 84-63 at that time.
Municipality of Clarington
Resort CLD -013-19
Page 4
1.12 In 1993, By-law 93-161 repealed and replaced By -Law 91-52. Schedule "C" of By-law
93-161 granted an exemption to "Orono Exotic Cat World" from the requirements of the
by-law. Specifically the exemption provided for the ability to keep animals identified in
Schedule "A". Schedule "A" specified the animals found at Jungle Cat World, including
but not limited to cougars, lions, panthers, foxes, wolves, and monkeys.
1.13 In 2012, the Exotic Animal By-law 2012-045 removed the specific exemption for Orono
Exotic Cat World and instead it provided for a general exemption for premises
accredited by CAZA.
2. Discussion
2.1 Jungle Cat World has been operating for over 30 years in the Municipality. Throughout
those years the uses have been permitted under various animal related By-laws and
applicable Zoning By-laws.
2.2 In recent years Municipal Staff are unaware of any incidents that have endangered the
public or the health of the animals kept within Jungle Cat World. Further the safety
procedures being followed as provided to Municipal staff remain unchanged as would
be required under CAZA accreditation.
2.3 In Exotic Animal By-laws pre -dating 2012, a site specific exemption was included for
Jungle Cat World. When the 2012 Exotic Animal By-law was enacted, the Bowmanville
Zoo received a site specific exemption, whereas Jungle Cat World did not. Staff believe
this to have been an inadvertent omission. This omission was only identified as a result
of receiving the correspondence from CAZA.
2.4 Jungle Cat World has been in operation continuously for more than 30 years, and the
business is a continuing permitted use on their site under the current Zoning By-law. As
stated earlier in this report, there should have been a site specific exemption in 2012
when the Exotic Animal By-law was drafted. Given that Staff has not received any
complaints regarding the operations of the facility, Staff believe it is appropriate for
Council to consider adopting the draft amending by-law to By-law 2012-045, to include a
site specific exemption for Jungle Cat World.
2.5 An element of the CAZA accreditation process is that the facility is inspected by an
independent body committed to humane agencies of animal welfare, conservation,
science and education through a comprehensive accreditation program and Code of
Professional Ethics. The inspection element of the accreditation provides for the health
and safety of the community, proper administration, and care and welfare of the
animals. Whereas other organizations of which Jungle Cat World is a member, such as
the American Association of Zookeepers, do not include inspections but are dedicated
to professional animal care, and provides resources and information exchange for
zookeepers and animal care professionals to cultivate quality animal care. The Ontario
Camps Association also provides an accreditation program and includes site
inspections for the first two years and then once every four years thereafter which looks
to (among other aspects) ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for campers .
Municipality of Clarington
Resort CLD -013-19
Page 5
Recognizing the obvious value of the CAZA inspections, should Council elect to amend
the Exotic Animal by-law for a site specific exemption, staff will undertake annual
inspections of the Jungle Cat World facility to ensure the health and safety of the
community, and will ensure that evidence is provided to support quality care and
wellness of their animals.
3. Housekeeping — Bowmanville Zoo
3.1 The Bowmanville Zoo is no longer in operation. Sub -Section 14 (d) of the Exotic Animal
By-law (2012-045) provides a site specific exemption for the Bowmanville Zoo. It is
recommended that the Exotic Animal By-law be amended to delete this site specific
exemption.
4. Concurrence
This report has been reviewed by the Director of Planning Services and the Municipal
Solicitor who concur with the recommendations.
5. Conclusion
Based on the foregoing, it is respectfully recommended that the draft amending by-law
to By-law 2012-045 (Attachment 1 to this Report) be adopted to provide for a site
specific exemption to the Exotic Animal By-law for Jungle Cat World.
6. Strategic Plan Application
Not appl
Submitted by:
C. Anne Greentree, B.A., CMO,
Municipal Clerk
Reviewed by:
Andrew C. Allison, B. Comm, LL.B
CAO
Staff Contact: Duncan Anderson, Manager of Municipal Law Enforcement, 905-623-3379
x2110 or danderson@clarington.net
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Draft By-law to amend by-law 2012-045
Attachment 2 - Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) Correspondence Dated
October 5, 2018
List of interested parties to be notified of Council's decision is on file in the Clerk's Department.
Municipality of Clarington
Attachment 1 to
Report CLD -013-19
THE CORPORATION OF
THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
BY-LAW 2019 -
Being a by-law to amend the Exotic Animal Bylaw 2012-045
WHEREAS the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington deems it desirable
to amend Exotic Animals By-law 2012-045.
NOW THEREFORE be it enacted:
1. That Section 14 of By-law 2012-045 be amended as follows:
a. Delete clause 14 (d) and renumber the clauses in that section accordingly; and
b. Add a new clause 14 (f) as follows: "(f) on the premises of Jungle Cat World
Wildlife Park"
2. This by-law comes into effect on the day it is passed.
PASSED this xxt" day of May, 2019.
Adrian Foster, Mayor
C. Anne Greentree, Municipal Clerk
I.
CAZAOrAZAC
CANADA'SACCREDITED-V/AQUARIUMS ET ZOOS
ZOOS AND AQUARI VMS jo)Ap ACCR DIT$S DU CANADA
�v
October 5, 2018
Adrian Foster
Mayor's Office
40 Temperance Street
Bowmanville, ON L1 C 3A6
Dear Mr. Foster:
On behalf of Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), it is my responsibility to inform
you that Jungle Cat World is no longer a CAZA institutional member and therefore, no longer a
CAZA-accredited facility as of August 15, 2018.
As per our administrative policy:
• Jungle Cat World's name has been removed from CAZA's website and letterhead.
• Jungle Cat World has been notified that CAZA will be informing government regulators
and animal welfare agencies, other CAZA members, as well as the Association of Zoos
and Aquariums (AZA) that they are no longer CAZA-accredited.
• Jungle Cat World has been informed that any direct or indirect reference to CAZA
accreditation must be removed from their website as well as all communications
collateral.
While CAZA will make every effort to inform relevant agencies about changes in the status of
accredited institutions, we encourage everyone to periodically check the CAZA website
(www.caza.ca) or contact CAZA for the most up-to-date information.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions about this matter.
Sincerely,
G�CL 4
Dr. Susan Shafer
Executive Director
Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums
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Connecting people to nature I Tissant des liens avec la nature
880 Taylor Creek Dr., Orleans, Ontario, Canada K4A OZ9 M613-627-3779 caza.ca info@caza.ca
CAZA AZAC
CANADA'S ACCREDITED �AQUARIUMS ET ZOOS
ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS AA?j7. ACCRE DITf5 OU CANADA
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Mr. Darren Grandel, Deputy Chief, OSPCA
Hon. Michael Tibollo, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
Ms. Elizabeth Glibbery, Manager Animal Services, City of Toronto
Ms. Kristin L. Vehrs, Principal Executive Vice President, Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Mr. Doug Cress, Chief Executive Office, World Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Connecting people to nature I Tissant des liens avec Ia nature
880 Taylor Creek Dr., Orleans, Ontario, Canada K4A OZ9 M613-627-3779 caza.ca info@caza.ca