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Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Wildlife Act Review

Controlled Alien Species Regulation

Information for Individual Owners of Controlled Alien Species

  • When can I obtain a permit?
    As of November 1, 2009, you may begin to apply for a permit to possess a Controlled Alien Species that was in B.C. on or before March 16, 2009. To ensure compliance with this Regulation, and to obtain your permit before the April 1, 2010 deadline, we suggest you submit your application before February 1, 2010. You must have your permit in place by April 1, 2010.
  • What activities will an individual owner be able to continue with a permit?
    • Possession of Controlled Alien Species that were in BC on or before March 16, 2009
    • Shipping and transporting of Controlled Alien Species (permit must accompany the animal in transit)
  • What activities will an individual owner be PROHIBITED from doing?
    • Breeding Controlled Alien Species
    • Releasing Controlled Alien Species
    • Breaching a condition of their CAS permit
    • Transferring Controlled Alien Species into B.C.
    NOTE: All individual owners will be REQUIRED to hold a permit to possess any Controlled Alien Species after March 31, 2010.
  • What are the penalties for offences?
    The penalties associated with breeding or releasing for a first time offender are:
    • fines ranging from $2,500 to a maximum of $250,000; or
    • a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years; or
    • both a fine and a sentence.
    The penalties for possession without a permit for a first time offender are:
    • fines up to a maximum of $100,000; or
    • a term of imprisonment of one year; or
    • both a fine and a sentence.
  • What about municipal bylaws?
    There are over twenty-two local governments in British Columbia that have bylaws dealing with Controlled Alien Species. It is the obligation of the owner of the Controlled Alien Species to comply with municipal bylaws.
  • When can individuals apply for their possession permits?
    The Permit Authorization Service Bureau will accept applications for permits after November 1, 2009. To ensure compliance with this Regulation, and to obtain your permit before the April 1, 2010 deadline, we suggest you submit your application before February 1, 2010.
All owners of Controlled Alien Species will require a permit by April 1, 2010.

Key Dates:

November 01, 2009: Permit applications are available to possess a controlled alien species for personal use.   You must have your permit in place by April 1, 2010.

February 01, 2010: The last date to submit your permit application to the Ministry of Environment, to ensure compliance with the regulation, and obtain your permit before the April 1, 2010 deadline.

April 01, 2010: If you are in possession of a Controlled Alien Species without a permit, you may be subject to a penalty for violating the new restrictions.

Click here to for a Permit Application form.

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