24/09/2025
Pumpkin, the Brachypelma emelia, a CITES species is here with an important message!
⚠️ Quick note for customers in BC ⚠️
Some bylaws in places like Surrey are overly strict. We don’t agree with them, but they are enforced. In 2019, ~2,000 animals were confiscated under Surrey’s exotic animal bylaw (Bylaw 15199), and nothing has changed since. That means if someone is keeping or selling species, out of Surrey, that are banned (schedule A); scorpions, old world tarantulas, certain reptiles, etc. The animals and the customers are the ones who pay the price when enforcement shows up.
On top of that, many tarantulas, scorpions, and tortoises fall under CITES and require proper permits. They are not on CITES by accident. They are CITES for a reason because of real risks like over-collection, trafficking, and dwindling wild populations. Customers have every right to ask for paperwork, and responsible sellers should have no problem showing it.
Anyone who knowingly keeps or sells banned animals in those jurisdictions is doing a disservice to the whole community. It puts animals at risk of seizure/destruction, it puts customers at risk of loss, and it drags down the reputation of the entire hobby.
And as for us? We keep posting, keep showing up to expos, and keep doing what we love. Advocating for animals that don't have a voice.
