Legislation and regulations concerning animal pests
Legislation governing wildlife
The Quebec Act Respecting the Conservation and Development of Wildlife protects wild animals, their habitats and their offspring. The law states, among other things:
“No person nor anyone lending him assistance may kill or capture an animal attacking him or causing damage to his property or property under his care or maintenance unless he is unable to frighten the animal away or prevent it from causing damage.
“No person may kill or capture an animal that causes damage to property or must be moved in the public interest, except on the conditions determined by regulation of the Minister.” (Section 67)
The idea is to encourage nuisance animals to go somewhere else, rather than opting for more drastic direct interventions such as extermination or capture and relocation.
Vermin may be exterminated
Vermin are not covered by regulations applicable to other mammals. In other words, rats and mice aren’t “protected” by law, and you are allowed to exterminate them.
Bylaws on nuisance animals
Municipalities enact various bylaws to restrict the presence of species deemed undesirable. Most Montreal boroughs, for example, prohibit the feeding of squirrels, raccoons, stray cats, seagulls, and pigeons. In Quebec City, a similar ban exists on the feeding of squirrels, seagulls, pigeons, and even ducks.
To learn how to get rid of or deter these intruders while complying with local regulatory standards, read your municipality’s bylaws. They should be easily accessible via the city or town’s website.
Is it a good idea to relocate small animals?
The Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks tolerates this practice… but strongly advises against it. Why?
Because it doesn’t solve the problem: Sooner or later, a displaced animal will be replaced by another if you do not prevent its access to food and shelter.
Capturing and relocating (also called catching and releasing) an animal involves risk. Even if an animal appears to be healthy, moving it may transfer disease or parasites to new areas. Such disturbances can jeopardize public health, agriculture and protection of endangered species.
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