The rules of python ownership in Montreal
Most boroughs allow pythons as long as their adult size is less than 3 metres, they are not venomous
A python on the loose in Verdun that escaped from a private residence has Montrealers questioning whether pythons can be legally kept as pets.
A page on the Verdun borough's website says a python is a prohibited pet in Verdun, but a spokesperson for the borough told CBC that information is incorrect and that pythons are allowed as long as they are born in captivity, not venomous and less than three metres in length.
Most of the boroughs ascribe to the same rules surrounding python ownership and they are listed below, along with the exceptions.
The following Montreal boroughs allow snakes if their adult length is less than three metres and they are not venomous:
- Ahuntsic-Cartierville.
- Anjou.
- The Southwest.
- Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension.
- L'île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève.
- Côtes-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.
- Pierrefonds-Roxboro.
- Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.
- Saint-Laurent.
- Ville-Marie.
- Saint-Léonard.
- Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie.
- Lachine.
In Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles snakes are allowed, but not snakes from the python family.
In LaSalle wild animals such as snakes are only allowed for a predetermined period, like for a specific project, show or zoo.
Outremont does not specify if snakes are allowed but says residents are not allowed to have "wild animals."
The Plateau-Mont-Royal does not have specific rules around snakes outlined on its website.