MARINELAND FACES ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES

Ontario’s animal welfare agency has laid five animal cruelty charges against amusement park Marineland. The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the charges against the Niagara Falls, Ont., park relate to peacocks, guinea hens and black bears. The OSPCA said inspection officers and a veterinarian went to Marineland on Nov. 10 after receiving a complaint about alleged animal cruelty. “Reports of animal cruelty are taken very seriously,” senior OSPCA inspector Steve Toy said in a statement. “When we receive reports of cruelty that involve wildlife or exotic animals, we will utilize our experts as well as industry experts to assist us with our investigation.” Marineland has long maintained it treats its animals well.