The dearth of information on taxpayer-funded investigations is a problem, some observers say, particularly because the government argued that creating Animal Welfare Services would make the enforcement of animal cruelty laws more transparent.

“The public has the right to know,” said Kendra Coulter, a professor at Huron University College at Western University who is an expert on animal protection organizations.

“We can’t be engaged citizens who are speaking to our members of provincial parliament if we don’t even know what the issues are.”

  • AutoTL;DRBEnglish
    3•1 year ago

    This is the best summary I could come up with:

    At Marineland, the Ontario theme park subject to a long running animal welfare investigation, 14 whales and one dolphin have died since 2019, The Canadian Press has learned.

    Details about the deaths at the tourist attraction in Niagara Falls, Ont., are contained in a list created by the Ministry of the Solicitor General following freedom of information requests.

    Four years ago, there were 54 belugas at the park, the most in captivity in the world, according to an affidavit filed by Marineland’s president, Marie Holer, with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

    Wayne Gates, the New Democrat provincial representative for Niagara Falls who has long defended the park, said he believes the time has come for Marineland to make changes, suggesting it get out of the animal business and focus on its rides and other entertainment.

    Animal protection advocates say one factor complicating efforts to understand the circumstances at Marineland is the lack of information released by the provincial investigative body.

    She said the provincial agency should follow the lead of police forces, which issue news releases and hold press conferences even when investigations are active.

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