British Columbia bans breeding and possession of exotic cats

The government of British Columbia announced a ban on the breeding and future ownership of all exotic cats, expanding rules beyond large species to include smaller wild species and hybrids such as servals, caracals, ocelots and other non-native or non-domestic felines. The measure tightens previous regulations that already covered larger exotic cats.

A related report notes the broader prohibitions will apply to all exotic felines, with the scope including breeding, transport and possession. The Italian-summary version specifies that the ban takes effect on May 1, 2026, and encompasses all captive breeding, transport and possession of exotic felines.

Taken together, the measures aim to close gaps in exotic-cat ownership and enforcement within British Columbia, affecting current and prospective owners, breeders and handlers of non-native felines within the province.