Last night, Committee of the Whole heard several delegations related to a request from Nova’s Ark for an exemption from the Town of Whitby’s Prohibited and Regulated Animals Bylaw.

Committee voted to end the meeting at 11 p.m. because it was apparent that due to the high volume of registered delegations the meeting would go very late into the night.

We want Town staff and Members of Council to have coherent and productive discussions on this important matter, which is challenging in the wee hours of the morning. We also wanted to be considerate of the children in the audience.

Delegates and members of Council were informed Monday morning that there was concern about the number of delegations and delegates were encouraged to submit written correspondence in lieu of speaking.

The Committee will continue to hear delegations on this request at its meeting on January 8, 2024, and Council is expected to vote on the exemption on January 29.

Nova’s Ark is a registered charity based in Whitby that provides programs for people of all abilities, including animal-assisted therapy.

According to a May 2023 inventory provided by Nova’s Ark, there are 355 animals on site, 74 of which violate the Town’s Prohibited and Regulated Animals Bylaw, including wolves, pythons, a lynx, serval, and bobcat.

Town staff have consulted with industry professionals, considered public submissions, and reviewed emergency procedures and response plans from Nova’s Ark.

The Town also received written submissions from the Toronto Zoo, Reptilia, Zoocheck, and World Animal Protection Agency, which note the prohibited animals pose a risk of serious harm to patrons of Nova’s Ark.

Town staff have recommended that the bylaw exemption not be granted, however the decision rests with Council.

As we prepare to listen to more delegations from community members, I urge the public to become familiar with the facts. I am concerned by the significant amount of misinformation with regards to this issue.

There is no intent for Nova’s Ark to close or stop offering animal-assisted therapy. Most animals on site, such as horses, donkeys, ponies, ferrets, pigs, parrots, and alpacas are permitted under the bylaw.

I also want to address misinformation that suggests animals removed from Nova’s Ark will be euthanized. This is not true. The intent has always been for them to be rehomed at safe, appropriate facilities.

I look forward to well-informed discussions on this request continuing in January.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jillian Follert
Public Affairs Coordinator, Office of the Mayor
Phone: 289.314.9101
Email: follertj@whitby.ca

Erin Mikaluk
Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca