Animal welfare advocates are criticizing Marineland’s ultimatum to euthanize the 30 remaining beluga whales at the closed amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The park disclosed that if the federal government does not provide financial support for the whales’ care or allow their export by Tuesday, they would resort to euthanasia.
World Animal Protection Canada has urged the provincial government to step in and take custody of the belugas to avoid their demise. Erin Ryan, a wildlife campaign manager at the organization, expressed disapproval of Marineland’s tactic to pressure the Canadian government into a decision that is ethically sound.
Emphasizing that euthanasia should not be viewed as a cost-cutting measure, Ryan stressed that it should only be considered after a thorough evaluation by independent veterinarians to ensure the animals’ best interests.
In a letter sent to federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, Marineland highlighted its dire financial situation, stating its inability to provide adequate care for the belugas due to financial constraints. The company’s plea for export permits was recently rejected by Thompson, leading Marineland to contemplate euthanizing the belugas, a decision directly linked to the denial of export permits.
The ongoing funding crisis at Marineland poses a significant threat to the welfare and safety of the belugas, as reiterated in the company’s letter. Despite the urgency of the situation, the premier’s office did not respond to CBC News for comment.
Thompson criticized Marineland’s immediate request for federal funding following the denial of export permits, deeming it inappropriate. She justified Ottawa’s decision based on the strengthened regulations aimed at preventing further exploitation of animals under the Fisheries Act and Criminal Code.
Marineland’s plea for financial aid has raised concerns about the fate of the belugas and other animals at the facility, especially in light of the park’s closure this year. The call for collaborative efforts between governments and experts to devise a comprehensive plan for the animals has been ongoing.
Advocates propose seizing the belugas under the PAWS Act and exploring alternatives like establishing a whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia. However, progress on the sanctuary project appears stalled, underscoring the need for immediate action to safeguard the belugas’ well-being.
The situation has sparked widespread criticism, with experts and advocates urging authorities to intervene and protect the belugas from the looming threat of euthanasia. The denial of export permits has been likened to a “death sentence” for the animals, emphasizing the urgency of finding a viable solution to ensure their welfare.
