Marineland charged for allegedly holding illegal dolphin and whale shows

Marineland Canada is facing one criminal charge for allegedly holding illegal whale and dolphin shows for the purpose of entertainment. 

Niagara Regional Police say they started an investigation after getting complaints that the facility was using whales and dolphins in for-profit entertainment in October. 

Police say during the investigation, it was found that dolphins and whales were used for entertainment purposes during the month of August, without being authorized to do so following an amendment to the Criminal Code under Bill S-203 on June 21, 2019. 

The criminal code prohibits captive marine mammals from being used for entertainment purposes unless the provincial government authorizes a license.

Marineland responded in a statement saying in part, “Marineland understands why ideologically driven activists would file a police complaint, and appreciates the pressure the Niagara Regional Police were put under to lay such a charge. We look forward to the opportunity to defend ourselves in a court of law where the feelings of non-experts are not treated as facts and the truth prevails.”

Marineland will appear at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse on February 14. 2022 to answer to the charges.

More to come.