TORONTO – The star of an Academy Award-winning documentary on dolphin abuse is urging the Ontario government to create laws to better protect captive animals, such as those at Marineland.
Ric O’Barry, a former dolphin trainer turned animal activist, says Marineland is the worst park he’s seen by far in progressive countries.
He says there’s no reason for the abuse of dolphins and other animals at the park, who are confined to small spaces and have no connection to their environment.
O’Barry says such parks should be abolished and the captive animals allowed to live out their lives in dignity.
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He’s joined by Zoocheck Canada, which also wants stronger laws in Ontario.
Former Marineland employees have alleged animals at the park aren’t properly cared for and have delivered a petition with 77,000 signatures calling for stronger rules.
Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilleur says her staff are currently reviewing the law and will amend it if necessary.
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says any animal that’s under the care of a licensed veterinarian is exempt under the law and can’t be investigated.
But Meilleur says that’s not a loophole, because vets are obligated to report any mistreatment under the law.
She says they’re also required to report mistreatment under their professional code of conduct and can face penalties if they fail to do so.
But if there is a loophole, the minister says she wants to close it.
The Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums recently said it found no major issues at the park.
The OSPCA is continuing its investigation of Marineland and says it has identified “some areas of concern.”
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