URGENT PUBLIC APPEAL- The Government Is Asking For Your Suggestions On How To Improve The Welfare of Ontario’s Captive Marine Mammals

Please take just 5 minutes to help improve the general welfare of Ontario’s marine mammals! See below to help.

*****URGENT APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC******

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED TO HELP ONTARIO’S MARINE MAMMALS!

Want to help change things for whales, dolphins, walruses,
sea lions and seals in Ontario

Comments Needed on
Proposed Standards for Marine Mammals in Captivity –
DEADLINE – September 14, 2015

On May 28, 2015, the Ontario Legislature passed Bill 80, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Amendment Act, that:

• prohibits the breeding and possession of orcas (except Marineland’s lone orca Kiska) in Ontario.

• Expanded the existing regulation-making authority under the OSPCA Act to allow the Minister to establish additional administrative requirements related to management, oversight practices, professional services, and collecting and disclosing information, intended to ensure the appropriate care of an animal.

The Government of Ontario consultation notice can be found at:

http://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do…

The proposed Standards of Care and Administrative Standards for marine mammals can be found at:

http://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/showAttachment.do…

To provide comments online: https://www.ontariocanada.com/…/email.jsp;jsessionid=Eluydc…

By email. – ynaqvi.mpp@liberal.ola.org
(Insert COMMENTS ON PROPOSED MARINE MAMMAL REGULATIONS in subject line)

While there are some positive aspects to the proposed standards, there are numerous deficiencies and weaknesses that undermine their effectiveness and that will make them difficult to enforce. Unless these are addressed, the standards may allow business as usual in Ontario’s marine parks and aquariums.

SOME KEY DEFICIENCIES IN PROPOSED
MARINE MAMMALS IN CAPTIVITY STANDARDS

1. No requirement for veterinarian with marine mammal experience and expertise.

2. No minimum time requirement for enrichment activities/programs to keep animals occupied.

3. No requirement for social animals to be given companionship, so Kiska may be left in social isolation. Belugas or dolphins should be introduced to her.

4. No requirement for privacy/refuge areas for animals, particularly important when many animals housed together and may be subject to aggression (bullying).

5. No requirement for seals, sea lions or walruses (pinnipeds) to be kept outdoors, even on a partial basis, so they have opportunities to experience natural sunlight and conditions.

6. Every animal must be provided with adequate and appropriate
space to allow the animal to move naturally and to exercise.

7. No public disclosure of animal information or records, so no public accountability.

PLEASE SEND IN YOUR COMMENTS BY SEPTEMBER 14, 2015.

COMMENTS CAN BE AS BRIEF OR AS LONG AS YOU LIKE.