The Ontario SPCA charges Marineland with 5 counts of Animal Cruelty

NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 25, 2016) - The Ontario SPCA has charged Marineland Canada Inc. with five counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act.

The charges are as follows:

• One count for permitting a peacock bird to be in distress.
• One count for failing to comply with the prescribed standards of care for a Peacock bird.
• Two counts for failing to comply with the prescribed Standards of Care for Guinea Hens.
• One count for failing to comply with the prescribed standards of care including failing to provide adequate and appropriate food and water for approximately 35, American Black Bears.

Further charges are pending at this time.

On November 10, 2016, the Ontario SPCA responded to concerns brought forth regarding some of the animals living at Marineland. Ontario SPCA Officers and a Veterinarian were in attendance to investigate the concern and examine the animals involved.

No animals were removed.

The Ontario SPCA has the authority to remove an animal if/when the following situations have occurred:

1. An animal is in immediate distress. In this situation our officers did not find the animals to be in immediate distress, as defined by the Ontario SPCA Act.
   
   
2. A veterinarian has recommended the removal of the animal to ensure the animal gets the care it requires.
   
   
3. Ontario SPCA Act Orders have been issued but were not complied with.
   
   

Our visit revealed that we did not have the authority to remove the animals from their location. Although the animals were not removed, we want to reassure the public that the Society will be continuing to make sure that the animals are getting the care they require while this investigation is ongoing.

"Reports of animal cruelty are taken very seriously," says Senior Inspector Steve Toy. "When we receive reports of cruelty that involve wildlife or exotic animals, we will utilize our experts as well as industry experts to assist us with our investigation."
To report animal cruelty in Ontario, concerned citizens can call the 24/7 animal cruelty hotline at 310-SPCA (7722) or email cruelty@ospca.on.ca.

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society:

Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's Animal Welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of over 50 communities.

Since 1919, when Ontario's first Animal Welfare legislation was proclaimed, the Ontario SPCA, with the help of its Communities, has been entrusted to maintain and enforce Animal Welfare legislation. The Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.

Ontario SPCA provides leadership in animal welfare innovations including introducing high-volume spay/neuter services to Ontario and opening the Provincial Education and Animal Centre.