Complaint alleges animal cruelty at Marineland; park denies all accusations
A complaint that led Ontario’s animal welfare agency to investigate Marineland accuses the tourist attraction of cruelty against several species, alleging there was a “highly unusual” amount of land animal deaths for a zoo, several deer that didn’t get proper medical care, sick bears and a peacock with a growth near its eye, The Canadian Press has learned.
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals laid five animal cruelty charges, relating to alleged cruelty against its black bears, guinea hens and a peacock, against the Niagara Falls, Ont., theme park on Nov. 25. The agency said its investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending.
Marineland denies the allegations in the complaint and says it plans to “vigorously defend” itself against the OSPCA charges. A court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 26.
None of the allegations or charges have been proven in court.