Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals

End animal neglect and suffering in marine captivity

Since 2019, 16 beluga whales and one orca whale have died at Marineland, the last remaining place in Canada holding whales in captivity.

Marineland has a well-documented history of being investigated for animal abuse, neglect and exploitation. The facility has been charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty, from illegally forcing dolphins to perform for entertainment to the criminal neglect of black bears.

Four years ago, the Ontario government opened an investigation into Marineland’s treatment of animals, but the investigation has yet to be concluded, and animals continue to die off one by one in captivity.

It’s beyond time for the government to intervene and protect these animals. Ask the Solicitor General to enforce the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS) and safeguard the remaining animals at Marineland.

Your Message

Subject*

Solicitor General

Michael

Kerzner

Canadian Government

Dear Solicitor General Kerzner, 

I am writing to convey my grave concern regarding the welfare of animals at Marineland and my support for the urgent expedition of the province’s ongoing probe into the facility, as well as the immediate safeguarding of the animals remaining there.   

I am deeply disturbed by the death of yet another beluga whale at Marineland, marking the fourth whale death this year and the 17th since 2019. 

In recent years, a multitude of animal cruelty charges have been laid against Marineland, from dolphins being illegally forced to perform for entertainment to the criminal neglect of black bears. It is clear that the system put in place to ensure animal welfare in Ontario has failed to protect these animals.   

While the province launched a probe into Marineland in 2020, the investigation has yet to produce consequential results, and animals continue to die off one by one. 

Ontario has the strongest provincial penalties in Canada for animal abuse and neglect, yet Marineland represents a shameful enforcement failure. I urge you to take urgent action to do right by the remaining animals.  

Accordingly, I am asking you to expedite the ongoing investigation into Marineland and ensure that the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS) is appropriately enforced. Furthermore, I ask that you consult with animal welfare experts regarding the humane care and treatment of these animals moving forward.

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