Sure to go down in the annals of wacky photo ops, B.C. environment minister Barry Penner, who suffers from ophidiophobia—a fear of snakes—announces B.C.’s ban on exotic pets, while holding a boa. Penner, looking deeply uncomfortable, recalled the tragic death of 32-year-old Tanya Dumstrey-Soos—clawed by a Siberian tiger two years ago—when announcing B.C.’s Controlled Alien Species Regulation; it bans 1,256 animals that pose a serious threat to public safety.
FILED UNDER: Canada
