Animal cruelty charge against Marineland dropped

Prosecutors have dropped a charge against Marineland following accusations of hosting dolphin shows without authorization.

The Niagara Falls tourist attraction was charged in December 2021 after an activist group, Animal Justice, filed a legal complaint with Niagara police.

Using dolphins and whales in performances for entertainment has been a criminal offence since the passing of Bill S-203 in 2019.

Crown prosecutor Michal Sokolski says there was a reasonable prospect of conviction in the case, but decided that it was not in the public interest to prosecute the park.

In a statement Wednesday, the executive director of Animal Justice expressed shock and disappointment after the charge was dropped.

Animal Justice is shocked & disappointed at the decision, & is more committed than ever to continue working to ensure that the courts treat animal crimes with the gravity that they deserve!

— Animal Justice (@AnimalJustice) December 21, 2022

“The shocking decision to stay this charge sends the message that animals don’t matter to the legal system,” Camille Labchuk says.

“What’s the point of passing new laws to protect animals if prosecutors refuse to accept that animal cruelty is a serious matter of public interest, and won’t bring Marineland to trial?”

This is the second time Marineland has avoided charges related to animal welfare violations.

In 2017, the Crown also cited a lack of public interest after authorities laid charges against the theme park concerning animal welfare.

The activist group says provincial animal welfare authorities issued multiple orders against Marineland in 2021, after a long investigation determined that the marine mammals at the park were in distress due to poor water quality.

READ MORE: Marineland to move last 2 walruses from park, settles lawsuit with ex-trainer