Marineland has made its first appearance in court as it faces a charge for allegedly using dolphins and whales for entertainment purposes.
Niagara regional police have said they launched an investigation in October over the theme park’s use of whales and dolphins in shows.
That goes against laws passed in 2019 that made it an offence for dolphins and whales to perform, which was part of the federal government’s anti-captivity legislation.
The police force says the Niagara Falls, Ont., tourist attraction faces one count of using a captive cetacean for performance for entertainment purposes without authorization.
Marineland lawyer Scott Fenton says they are awaiting disclosure from the prosecution.
The park has denied the allegations and the case is next up in St. Catharines, Ont., court on March 23.