ANIMAL lovers in the Isle of Man are being asked for their views about proposals to change the laws which allow animals to be imported to the Island.
It is intended to make changes to the Wild Animals (Restrictions on Importation etc) Act 1980, but the public is being given the chance to express an opinion.
This Act prohibits the importation into the Isle of Man, or possession, of certain listed species. Licences are only available to zoos, circuses or for filming purposes.
The lists include wild animals which are considered inappropriate as pets due to the potential danger to the public, due to welfare issues with private keeping or due to the potential ecological damage if they were to escape.
Mrs Brenda Cannell MHK, Member for Forestry, Amenity and Lands, said, “The Department is looking for views on whether it has struck the best balance between permitting the keeping of exotic animals and preventing serious issues from arising, such as safety, welfare and the protection of our native wildlife.
“I hope that those with an interest in these issues will write in so that we can take their views into account before deciding on changes to the listed species.”
Questions have been posed within the consultation document in regard to the criteria used, the resulting lists, how to deal with wild-domestic hybrids, and whether to include non-native fish.
The consultation document is available from the government website and any responses should be returned by 29th February 2012.
