World Animal Protection Canada continues calling for stronger provincial regulations for private roadside zoos in Ontario, including mandatory licencing and liability insurance, better animal security and welfare, and improved public health and safety.
World Animal Protection Canada (WAPC) released a report on Tuesday showing Ontario ranks "dead last" among provinces regarding zoo regulations and want this year to be the last year for private roadside zoos, such as Greenview Park and Zoo in Morpeth, to operate unregulated.
WAPC Wildlife Campaign Manager Michèle Hamers said private zoos in Ontario have weak and non-existent regulations and enforcement when it comes to the use of wild animals for public display.
Hamers said private zoos don't require a licence to operate in Ontario, adding almost anyone can own a roadside zoo in Ontario and buy a lion or a tiger, which is very dangerous because they can escape their enclosure.
"Almost anybody in Ontario can buy a tiger or a lion and keep it. The lack of regulations puts visitors, communities, and animals at risk," said Hamers. "Last year there was a big story about two lions who got themselves out of an enclosure into a neighbouring enclosure with a tiger and killed the animal. Another thing I'd like to point out is that we are allowing at the moment the public to interact with incredibly dangerous animals."
She also said animal welfare and public safety are at risk because the exotic animals often live in substandard conditions and private zoo operators don't have the necessary experience to operate the facility.
"I've seen tigers kept in cages where they can only take a couple of steps and I've seen bears frantically pacing for hours on end. The situation of under-regulated zoos in the province is much more than just an animal welfare issue though, it's a public health and safety issue and it's a headache or many municipalities," she said.
Hamers said provincial regulations would help several municipalities who are struggling to develop or enforce bylaws surrounding private zoos.
Hamers noted the current system introduced in 2009 needs a "complete overhaul" because it's not working. She added the system should not be solely complaint-driven and is calling for mandatory inspections of private zoos every two years.
“In Ontario, you don’t need expertise, a reason or a licence to operate a zoo or buy dangerous animals like a tiger or lion,” said Hamers. “This is why Ontario ranks dead last and why we are working with the government to get this done for once and for all. We are pushing the province to implement what other provinces like Alberta and Quebec have done already. We want to see a mandatory province-wide zoo licensing system and meaningful and enforceable standards to safeguard animal welfare and public health and safety.”
World Animal Protection Canada estimates there are around 30 roadside zoos in Ontario covering well-known locations to small backyard operations, but excluding known private collections of wild animals, which they say is the largest number of roadside zoos in Canada.
Hamers added it's unknown how many private roadside zoos exist in Ontario or what types of animals they house because they are not tracked.
Greenview Park and Zoo Owner Alicia Patten wasn't available to comment on Tuesday, but previously told CK News Today that making improvements and upgrades to the animal enclosures was of utmost importance to the family and one of the main priorities that they were working towards.
Patten said improvements have been made by her family inside the winter enclosures for the primates as well as upgrades to the monkey building to add more natural light, space and airflow, a new fountain to keep the water moving for the health of the water foul, and new perimeter fencing for lemurs so there is no touching of the animals.
After the last report from WAPC in October criticizing roadside zoos, she also said work was underway to improve the enclosures for the big cats.
"I just read through that report and I have to say that I don't disagree with most of it," she said. "There should be standards that need to be followed for the best interest of any animal in captivity, as well as for the safety of the public. I just want to defend our zoo by saying that we are, and will continue to make the many changes that need to be made to give these animals the best life possible. Our priority in owning this zoo is animals first. We have many plans drawn up for new enclosures, enrichment projects, breeding programs, Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums certification, etc. and will be complying with the latest standards released in the near future for enclosure safety and animal well-being. We are committed to providing education to the public on these animals and their status in the world. Experiences with animals in captivity for some will be the only time they will see many of these animals. Learning about them in zoos will hopefully pique interest in wanting to protect and care for the natural environment that these beautiful creatures come from so that they will continue to exist in our world."