Legal Information

Please note that the following ferret legal information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered as legal advice. The information contained in each area is not a full or detailed account of the law or relevant factors that may relate to your case -- each is dependent on its own facts.

If you have a legal question or concern related to pet ferrets and the law then contact a lawyer.

This information is provided courtesy of Kristin Tillquist (née Graver) at Quinlan Abrioux, Vancouver, B.C., specializing in pet and animal law. Telephone: (604) 601-3719.

PET BITES

Pet bites, and in particular dog bites, is an area where there is a good deal of litigation. If you are the owner of a pet, it is your duty and responsibility to ensure that your pet does not injure another pet or any person. If you are aware that your pet has "vicious tendencies" (it has bitten before or has displayed aggressive behavior), then you are under an absolute liability to keep your pet from injuring anyone. If you are not aware that your pet has any vicious tendencies, and the pet bites unexpectedly, you may not be held responsible for the injuries it causes. This is where the notion of "one free bite" originates.

If you have been bitten by a pet, there are two types of legal actions you can take. One is criminal action and this is typically achieved through the SPCA or the Pound where they seek to have a pet that has shown itself to be a threat to society euthanised by Order of the Court. As an individual, you can also start a civil action seeking monetary compensation for any personal injuries or property damage you may have suffered. Once the issue of liability has been determined, then obtaining compensation for injuries for a pet bite is much the same as obtaining compensation for injuries which you might have suffered in a car accident.

HOUSING ISSUES

If you live in rental accommodation such as an apartment, you may encounter a "no pets" policy. Vancouver is known to have a great number of "no pets" buildings and many people find it quite difficult to find suitable accommodations for themselves and their pets. However, if you live in a "no pets" building, have a pet, and are being pressured to get rid of your pet in accordance with the rental agreement, there is hope, particularly if you were unaware of the "no pets" policy. Many "no pets" clauses in rental agreements have been struck down in arbitration decisions through the Residential Tenancy as being either to vague or to specific!

If, however, you own a condominium unit, it is much more difficult to get around such regulations. In the condominium situation, the "no pets" regulations are contained in a by-law which is voted on by a majority of the owners at the particular condominium complex. Because such a by-law typically represents the "will of the majority," the Courts have been very reluctant to allow one individual the benefit of a pet in the face of a "no pets" by-law.

WILLS

If you own a pet it is a good idea to have a clause in your Will regarding the fate of your pet after your death. This can be achieved through amending your existing will by inserting a couple of clauses into it, by adding an Amendment to your existing Will, or including these provisions in your Will as it is drawn up. The clauses can designate a beneficiary for your pet and allocate some money for the pet's care after your death, or a Trust can also be set up for your pet.