Marineland taking steps to improve animal care after abuse allegations: OSPCA

TORONTO – The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says Marineland has taken several steps to improve animal care following allegations of mistreatment.

The OSPCA says the Niagara Falls amusement park has complied with four out of seven orders issued as part of the agency’s investigation into the allegations.

The agency’s chairman, Rob Godfrey, says Marineland has asked for — and been granted — more time to fulfil the remaining orders.

He says the completed work involved having a vet examine the park’s seals and sea lions, repairing the ceiling of an animal enclosure, improving the killer whale’s living environment and conducting a full assessment of the water filtration system.

Godfrey says Marineland still has to neuter its bears, increase shelter for its deer and elk, and fix its water quality and filtration system.

A spokesman for Marineland wouldn’t comment on the OSPCA’s remarks, but says the company is stunned the agency would openly discuss an active investigation.

The amusement park has been under scrutiny in recent months after a number of former employees claimed the quality of the water compromised the health of the animals.