With the close of Marineland’s season on October 10th 2021, watchers suggest this is Marineland’s last season. Marineland whistleblower, Phil Demers, advises that the land is for sale, and that Marineland owners have been shopping for land developers. Read more here.
Spotlights
Marineland May Be Shutting Down and Selling Land in Niagara
Animal Justice Files Complaint Over Illegal Dolphin Performances at Marineland
Despite the criminalization of making dolphins and beluga whales perform for entertainment purposes in June 2019 (Bill S-203), Marineland has continued entertainment shows, which include ‘dolphin dance parties’ and other performative tricks. Highlighting the illegality of the shows, Animal Justice filed a complaint urging authorities to investigate. See the media release here.
Despite the criminalization of making dolphins and beluga whales perform for entertainment purposes in June 2019 (Bill S-203), Marineland has continued entertainment shows, which include ‘dolphin dance parties’ and other performative tricks. Highlighting the illegality of the shows, Animal Justice filed a complaint urging authorities to investigate. See the media release here.
BC Infectious Disease Specialists Call on Premier to End Fur Farming in Province
A group of twenty-nine infectious disease specialists in British Columbia sent an open letter to Premier John Horgan calling for the end of fur farming in the province. The current legislative freeze on mink breeding and new mink farms in BC expires January 31st 2022, but advocates urge the freeze to be permanent. The specialists highlight the health hazards of mink farming. Read more here.
A group of twenty-nine infectious disease specialists in British Columbia sent an open letter to Premier John Horgan calling for the end of fur farming in the province. The current legislative freeze on mink breeding and new mink farms in BC expires January 31st 2022, but advocates urge the freeze to be permanent. The specialists highlight the health hazards of mink farming. Read more here.
Legislative Updates
City of Winnipeg Considering Recommendations for Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw
Over the summer of 2021, the City of Winnipeg proposed a review of the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. Animal Justice praised the proposed changes, opining that the changes “would make [Winnipeg] a leader in animal protection.” The City’s public consultation period ran from August 10th to September 7th. The City is currently in the process of refining the proposed recommendations. The Council is set to review the proposed recommendations in January 2022. Read about the proposed bylaw changes here.
Over the summer of 2021, the City of Winnipeg proposed a review of the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. Animal Justice praised the proposed changes, opining that the changes “would make [Winnipeg] a leader in animal protection.” The City’s public consultation period ran from August 10th to September 7th. The City is currently in the process of refining the proposed recommendations. The Council is set to review the proposed recommendations in January 2022. Read about the proposed bylaw changes here.
Litigation Updates
Meat the Victims Organizers Preemptively Arrested and Charged in Ontario Direct Action
After months of planning, the event “Meat the Victims Canada II” quickly unravelled on the day of the planned action. Five of the event organizers, including famed activist Amy Soranno, were arrested as they left their residences in the early morning. Despite the arrests, approximately 160 activists travelled to Hybrid Turkey/Hendrix Genetics in Kitchener Ontario. There, they were met by police officers protecting the property lines. About forty activists attended the Central Division to protest the arrest of the organizers. Eventually, Amy Soranno, Nick Schafer, Jen Deighan-Schenk, Kirsten Little, and David Pereira were released. Soranno advised the media that they have been charged with attempted break and enter, attempted mischief, and break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence. Read more here.
After months of planning, the event “Meat the Victims Canada II” quickly unravelled on the day of the planned action. Five of the event organizers, including famed activist Amy Soranno, were arrested as they left their residences in the early morning. Despite the arrests, approximately 160 activists travelled to Hybrid Turkey/Hendrix Genetics in Kitchener Ontario. There, they were met by police officers protecting the property lines. About forty activists attended the Central Division to protest the arrest of the organizers. Eventually, Amy Soranno, Nick Schafer, Jen Deighan-Schenk, Kirsten Little, and David Pereira were released. Soranno advised the media that they have been charged with attempted break and enter, attempted mischief, and break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence. Read more here.
City of Victoria Dangerous Dog Destruction Order Reversed
In August 2018, Bronx, a Dogo-Argentino Rottweiler killed a poodle with a single bite. After the incident, the City of Vancouver determined Bronx to be a Dangerous Dog and ordered him to be destroyed. Animal lawyer Rebeka Breder successfully persuaded the court that death should not be the go-to solution for dangerous dogs, and rehabilitative measures are the more appropriate alternative. Read more here.
In August 2018, Bronx, a Dogo-Argentino Rottweiler killed a poodle with a single bite. After the incident, the City of Vancouver determined Bronx to be a Dangerous Dog and ordered him to be destroyed. Animal lawyer Rebeka Breder successfully persuaded the court that death should not be the go-to solution for dangerous dogs, and rehabilitative measures are the more appropriate alternative. Read more here.
Enforcement Updates
Ontario Animal Welfare Inspectors Remove Dogs Used for Sledding from Windrift Adventures
Ontario Animal Welfare inspectors removed a “large number” of dogs from two properties associated with Windrift Adventures. The investigation followed a January 2018 complaint and orders by the OSPCA. Of the 225 dogs Windrift Adventures claims to house in its kennel, the number of dogs removed was not disclosed. There has been no discussion of charges at this time. Read more here.
Ontario Animal Welfare inspectors removed a “large number” of dogs from two properties associated with Windrift Adventures. The investigation followed a January 2018 complaint and orders by the OSPCA. Of the 225 dogs Windrift Adventures claims to house in its kennel, the number of dogs removed was not disclosed. There has been no discussion of charges at this time. Read more here.
BC SPCA Seizes Seventy-One Cats and Kittens from Hoarding Situation in Squamish-Area BC
The British Columbia SPCA removed seventy-one cats and kittens from two motorhomes in the Squamish-area. Upon arriving, the animals were found in all areas of the two motorhomes, living in poor conditions. The news release from the BC SPCA does not discuss charges.
The British Columbia SPCA removed seventy-one cats and kittens from two motorhomes in the Squamish-area. Upon arriving, the animals were found in all areas of the two motorhomes, living in poor conditions. The news release from the BC SPCA does not discuss charges.
Animal Justice Files Complaint Over Illegal Dolphin Performances at Marineland
Despite the criminalization of making dolphins and beluga whales perform for entertainment purposes in June 2019 (Bill S-203), Marineland has continued entertainment shows, which include ‘dolphin dance parties’ and other performative tricks. Highlighting the illegality of the shows, Animal Justice filed a complaint urging authorities to investigate. See the media release here.
Despite the criminalization of making dolphins and beluga whales perform for entertainment purposes in June 2019 (Bill S-203), Marineland has continued entertainment shows, which include ‘dolphin dance parties’ and other performative tricks. Highlighting the illegality of the shows, Animal Justice filed a complaint urging authorities to investigate. See the media release here.
Winnipeg Humane Society Rescues Twenty-Four Dogs from Hoarding Situation
In partnership with the Provincial Chief Veterinary Office, the Winnipeg Humane Society seized twenty-four small dogs from a hoarding house. The article draws attention to these situations occurring locally in Winnipeg.
In partnership with the Provincial Chief Veterinary Office, the Winnipeg Humane Society seized twenty-four small dogs from a hoarding house. The article draws attention to these situations occurring locally in Winnipeg.
Academic Updates
Article
From Slow Food to Slow Meat: Slowing Line Speeds to Improve Worker Health and Animal Welfare in Canadian Abattoirs
Sarah Berger Richardson, “From Slow Food to Slow Meat: Slowing Line Speeds to Improve Worker Health and Animal Welfare in Canadian Abattoirs” (2021) 59:1 Alberta Law Review 99.
Abstract: This article examines the regulation of production line speeds in Canadian meat and poultry processing facilities to better understand their impact on worker safety and animal welfare. The article begins with an overview of the regulatory framework that sets line speed conditions in federally licenced facilities. It notes how recent shifts in food safety governance facilitate increased speeds that endanger workers and animals on the kill floor. First, it highlights tensions between regulatory objectives in the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations that focus on food safety targets and humane handling guidelines respectively. It then turns to the occupational health and safety risks associated with working at meat and poultry processing facilities. Particular emphasis is placed on the way that COVID-19 outbreaks in Canadian slaughterhouses drew attention to this grueling work that had previously been ignored. The article concludes by noting that the pandemic has created a unique policy window to slow down production speeds; a policy window that should be seized.
Sarah Berger Richardson, “From Slow Food to Slow Meat: Slowing Line Speeds to Improve Worker Health and Animal Welfare in Canadian Abattoirs” (2021) 59:1 Alberta Law Review 99.
Abstract: This article examines the regulation of production line speeds in Canadian meat and poultry processing facilities to better understand their impact on worker safety and animal welfare. The article begins with an overview of the regulatory framework that sets line speed conditions in federally licenced facilities. It notes how recent shifts in food safety governance facilitate increased speeds that endanger workers and animals on the kill floor. First, it highlights tensions between regulatory objectives in the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations that focus on food safety targets and humane handling guidelines respectively. It then turns to the occupational health and safety risks associated with working at meat and poultry processing facilities. Particular emphasis is placed on the way that COVID-19 outbreaks in Canadian slaughterhouses drew attention to this grueling work that had previously been ignored. The article concludes by noting that the pandemic has created a unique policy window to slow down production speeds; a policy window that should be seized.
Other Updates
Marineland May Be Shutting Down and Selling Land in Niagara
With the close of Marineland’s season on October 10th 2021, watchers suggest this is Marineland’s last season. Marineland whistleblower, Phil Demers, advises that the land is for sale, and that Marineland owners have been shopping for land developers. Read more here.
With the close of Marineland’s season on October 10th 2021, watchers suggest this is Marineland’s last season. Marineland whistleblower, Phil Demers, advises that the land is for sale, and that Marineland owners have been shopping for land developers. Read more here.
BC Infectious Disease Specialists Call on Premier to End Fur Farming in Province
A group of twenty-nine infectious disease specialists in British Columbia sent an open letter to Premier John Horgan calling for the end of fur farming in the province. The current legislative freeze on mink breeding and new mink farms in BC expires January 31st 2022, but advocates urge the freeze to be permanent. The specialists highlight the health hazards of mink farming. Read more here.
A group of twenty-nine infectious disease specialists in British Columbia sent an open letter to Premier John Horgan calling for the end of fur farming in the province. The current legislative freeze on mink breeding and new mink farms in BC expires January 31st 2022, but advocates urge the freeze to be permanent. The specialists highlight the health hazards of mink farming. Read more here.