THE grim water park where the "world's loneliest" killer whale was filmed banging its head against the tank has been charged with unauthorised use of animals.
Police in Niagara Falls have charged Marineland after it emerged the park allegedly used animals for a park performance without permission.
Niagara Regional Police (NRPS) say the probe started in October and is tied to a summer display that investigators believe violated the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act.
“During the investigation, it was found that dolphins and whales were utilized 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,” NRPS said in a statement.
On Friday, advocacy group Animal Justice claimed Marineland was being investigated after the group’s lawyers filed a legal complaint over concerns that the marine park’s dolphin performances violated the Criminal Code.
The group allege the dolphin shows at the park featured pop music, animals performing tricks and staff encouraging cheering from spectators.
“Authorities must step in to investigate whether Marineland’s dolphin performances violate federal laws protecting dolphins from being forced to participate in demeaning performances,” Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice said on 6 October.
Labchuk told Global News on Monday that the protection agency is concerned for the well-being of animals still at the park amid rumours that the Marineland is up for sale to a real estate developer.
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“We’re calling on the provincial and federal governments to get involved in this situation and do what they can to make sure these animals go to a sanctuary, if Marineland is sold,” Labchuk said.
“And that they don’t end up at another marine park where they will be exploited for entertainment.”
It's not the first time the park has come under fire for the way its animals have been treated in the park.
Earlier this year, Kiska the killer whale was filmed in apparent distress banging her head against the side of her tank – after outliving five of her babies.
Lawyers are expected to appear in a St. Catharines court on 14 February, 2022 to represent the park in the latest legal action.
According to the act, Marineland could face a fine of up to $200,000.
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