Some residents in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) have been taking to social media claiming that the municipality have been giving owners 24 hours’ notice to remove animals they’ve deemed illegal.

The Facebook post by The Alberta Reptile and Amphibian Society specifically references certain reptiles and amphibians which they claim fall under the RMWB Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw that states, “No person shall harbor, keep or possess a prohibited animal in the Municipality.”

Communications & Engagement Strategist with RMWB Greg Bennett, responded, “As per the Bylaw, reptiles are not prohibited. They are classified as Exotic Animals and are not allowed in a public space.”

Snakes and amphibians that are deemed prohibited are venomous and poisonous snakes, spiders, reptiles, amphibians and insects or snakes belonging to the Pythonidae or Boidae families.

“Bylaw Officers are not engaged in any efforts to track down individuals, pet stores or local businesses contravening the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw,” Bennett explained. “Sections in this Bylaw exist to provide Bylaw Officers the tools to respond to situations where public safety is in question. To date, we have not been required to enforce the sections of the Bylaw relating to Prohibited Animals.”