Frequently Asked Questions: Exotic Animals
The City of Winnipeg Exotic Animal By-law 3389/83 is a by-law respecting the keeping or harbouring of certain animals within the City of Winnipeg.
The City of Winnipeg does not allow the keeping or harbouring of :
- All venomous reptiles
- Certain species of snakes and lizards as detailed in the Exotic Animal By-law, and all their known races;
- All members of the order Crocodilia
- All non-human Primates
- All members of order Carnivora excepting domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), domestic cats (Felis catus) and ferrets.
- Horses, cattle, hogs, goats, sheep, poultry or bees except where specifically permitted by the applicable zoning by-law
- What kind of animals are illegal in the City of Winnipeg?
- What kind of snakes can I have in the City of Winnipeg?
- Is there a permit that I can buy to have a restricted exotic animal within the City of Winnipeg?
- Can pet stores in the City of Winnipeg sell restricted animals?
- I know someone who has a restricted animal. What do I do?
- Why can a circus have elephants and tigers within the City of Winnipeg?
- Can I just travel through the City of Winnipeg with an exotic animal?
- My neighbour has chickens in his backyard. Is he allowed them?
- Can I keep a deer as a pet in the City of Winnipeg?
- What do I do if I find an exotic animal, like a snake or a reptile?
What kind of animals are illegal in the City of Winnipeg?
You should consult the City of Winnipeg Exotic Animal By-law 3389/83 which specifically states the types of animals that are restricted within the City of Winnipeg. If you have any questions regarding the by-law, please call Animal Services Agency at 311.
What kind of snakes can I have in the City of Winnipeg?
You should consult the City of Winnipeg Exotic Animal By-law-3389/83 Section 1(2). If you have any questions, please call Animal Services Agency at 311
Is there a permit that I can buy to have a restricted exotic animal within the City of Winnipeg?
No, there is no permit that can be issued that would allow for the keeping of these restricted animals. The Exotic Animal By-law Section 2. lists the only exceptions to the by-law.
Can pet stores in the City of Winnipeg sell restricted animals?
No, pet stores within the City of Winnipeg must abide by the Exotic Animal By-law. To report exotic animals within the City of Winnipeg, call Animal Services Agency at 311.
I know someone who has a restricted animal. What do I do?
You can report exotic animals within the City of Winnipeg to Animal Services Agency at 311.
Why can a circus have elephants and tigers within the City of Winnipeg?
Under the Exotic Animal By-law 3389/83 Section 2., circus’ are exempt from the by-law.
Can I just travel through the City of Winnipeg with an exotic animal?
No – The Exotic Animal By-law 3389/83 does not allow for any exotic animals within the City of Winnipeg, except where specified in Section 2.
My neighbour has chickens in his backyard. Is he allowed them?
No – Under the Exotic Animal By-law 3389/83 Section 1.(6) chickens are not allowed within the City of Winnipeg unless the property is zoned accordingly. You also cannot keep horses, cattle, hogs (including potbellied pigs), goats, sheep, poultry or bees.
Can I keep a deer as a pet in the City of Winnipeg?
No. For more information on wildlife, contact the Province of Manitoba Department of Conservation at 204-945-7273.
What do I do if I find an exotic animal , like a snake or a reptile?
If you have found an exotic animal, you should contact the Animal Services Agency at 311.
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