Marineland faces animal cruelty charges

Marineland is facing five animal cruelty charges according to Ontario’s animal welfare agency.

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) says the charges come after responding to concerns about several animals at the Niagara Falls amusement park.

The OSPCA says the charges were laid following an investigation into a complaint they received earlier this month.

“Reports of animal cruelty are taken very seriously,” said Steve Toy, Senior Investigator. “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.”

Marineland faces one count of permitting a peacock to be in distress, one count of failing to comply with the prescribed standards of care for a peacock, two counts of failing to comply with the prescribed standards of care for guinea hens and one count of 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.

In a statement, Marineland clarified the details of the charges its facing. They said out of the thousands of peacocks on their property, one had an issue with its eye and is receiving appropriate medical attention. Regarding the guinea hens, the park said the OSPCA requested more space be given to the birds. The park said none of the hens are unhealthy.  The park added their black bears have a clean diet of fish, vegetables and clean water fit for humans. They said a red flag was due to a sticker label found in the bears’ food, otherwise the bears are healthy.

The OSPCA says it didn’t remove any animals but said they will continue to make sure the animals receive the care they require while their investigation continues.