CALGARY (Staff) – Owning a bright-eyed exotic animal may be a status symbol for some, but before buying, Albertans need to know if their pet is legal.
In Alberta, owning an animal like a hedgehog is illegal unless the owner has a zoo permit, said a fish and wildlife official.
John Girvan said Alberta has tighter regulations than the rest of the country when it comes to pets.
The banned list is fairly lengthy in an attempt to keep out disease that could harm other animals and people, he said.
Hedgehogs have been identified as carriers of tuberculosis and salmonella.
Another animal that is becoming trendy, but is still illegal is a “sugar glider,” similar to a flying squirrel.
The problem is magnified once pet owners realize their pet is illegal. Some owners release them into the wild where they may not survive, or may even infect other animals if they’re disease carriers.
Prospective buyers should check with the fish and wildlife department before investing in the latest trendy pet, he said.
