TORONTO, Ont. – The province is moving to toughen up regulations on the treatment of animals held in zoos and aquariums.
 
Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilleur announced a three-point plan Wednesday to develop new standards for caring for captive animals, including a review of the possible licensing of Ontario’s more than 60 zoos and aquariums.
 
She says the province will work with animal experts and other stakeholders to come up with new standards for caring for captive animals.
 
“There is no place here in Ontario for the mistreatment of animals and I want to make that very clear,” Meilleur said.
 
The minister also wants to improve enforcement though the OSPCA with a final report ready by the spring.  
 
Former Marineland employee Phil Demers says he didn’t hear anything specific about improving conditions for Marineland animals.
 
“The lone orca whale, Kiska, there’s no excuse why that animal should be alone to circle a pool all day, so this continues so long as matters aren’t immediately addressed and there are no hard lines taken,” he told 680News.
 
The province’s announcement follows accusations by animal-welfare activists who allege animals at the Marineland amusement park aren’t being looked after properly.