Feds call Marineland euthanasia threat ‘inappropriate’ as deadline nears
Global News
Marineland warned that without an immediate financial bailout from the federal government, the company may be forced to declare bankruptcy or euthanize the animals.
The federal government is punting responsibility for 30 whales at Marineland back to Ontario, as a deadline from the struggling theme park over the fate of the belugas rapidly draws closer.
On Friday, Marineland warned that without an immediate financial bailout from the federal government, “for ongoing whale care until a suitable relocation can be arranged,” the company may be forced to declare bankruptcy or euthanize the animals.
“Our only options at this point are to either relocate the whales or face the devastating decision of euthanasia,” the Niagara Falls, Ont., attraction said in a letter to the federal government, which was shared with Global News.
On Monday, Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson called Marineland’s request for federal funding “inappropriate” and said she intended to speak with the owners to address their concerns.
Thompson, however, also said that while Marineland is accountable for the welfare of the whales, so is the province of Ontario.
“Marineland is responsible for the care of the belugas; they’ve been in their care for quite some time, and really the province of Ontario has a role here to ensure that the belugas are well maintained and cared for,” Thompson said.
Ontario’s solicitor general is responsible for enforcing the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, but the government has yet to indicate what steps it’s willing to take.
Just days before Thompson’s comments, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “disappointed” the federal government had blocked a plan to export the whales to a facility in China — and Ottawa should take responsibility.
The company said the incident is currently under investigation and information is limited, but it confirms that local authorities have been notified.
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