Animal welfare law

The Ontario government is investing $5.5 million of your tax money to toughen enforcement of animal welfare laws, crack down on puppy and kitten mills, and improve care for marine animals. The $5.5 million will go to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, commonly called the OSPCA. The Liberal government says there will now be regular inspections of zoos and aquariums to ensure the health and safety of the animals held in captivity.

A news conference was held at Toronto’s High Park Zoo with Ontario Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilleur speaking in front of some attention seeking Llamas: “The OSPCA will provide regular progress reports to the government to ensure that our enforcement goals are being met and that the public is getting value for its investment. Even the llama is excited about this announcement. In addition, the OSPCA has now welcomed ministry representation to their board of directors. The third part of the 3 point plan involves developing standards of care for marine mammals in captivity. Marine mammals are complex animals and I care very deeply for the welfare of these magnificent creatures. I will be seeking technical advice from the scientific community to assist in developing standards of care for all marine mammals including whales, dolphins and seals.”

Marineland in Niagara Falls issued a news release in response to the news conference Friday saying it welcomes the announcement and the government’s decision to seek independent scientific advice to establish appropriate standards of care for marine animals. Marineland says the wellbeing of its animals and mammals has, and always will be, its first priority.

Canada’s accredited zoos and aquariums, or CAZA, says it also welcomes the government’s commitment to greater oversight and registration of unaccredited facilities. And it’s applauding the the announcement, but adds that this is only a first step and more needs to be done.