Nothing new at the zoo: A report on the state of captive wildlife in Ontario
Report
This report exposes the poor conditions and lack of regulations for wild animals kept in zoos, wildlife displays, and zoo-type exhibits in Ontario.
Executive summary:
World Animal Protection Canada visited 11 facilities in Ontario that house wild animals in captivity and assessed their compliance with the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS Act) and its regulations. The report found that most facilities failed to meet the basic standards of care for animals and public safety, such as providing adequate space, enrichment, shelter, hygiene, and security. The report also highlighted the risks of direct or close interactions between visitors and wild animals, which can cause stress, injury, or disease transmission. The report calls for increased oversight and regulation of captive wildlife in Ontario, as well as a ban on new facilities and breeding programs.
Key points:
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Ontario is the worst jurisdiction in Canada when it comes to ensuring the proper care of captive wildlife. It has more zoos, wildlife displays, and zoo-type exhibits housing exotic wild animals than any other province.
- The PAWS Act and its regulations are insufficient and poorly enforced to protect the welfare of wild animals in captivity and the safety of the public. Many facilities do not comply with the existing standards of care and administrative requirements.
- Wild animals in captivity suffer from physical and psychological distress due to inadequate and inappropriate housing conditions, lack of natural behaviours, social isolation or incompatible grouping, exposure to stressors, and exploitation for entertainment purposes.
- Wild animals in captivity pose significant public health and safety risks due to potential escapes, attacks, or disease transmission. Direct or close interactions with wild animals are common and encouraged at many facilities, despite the dangers involved.
- World Animal Protection Canada recommends that the Ontario government develop and implement a comprehensive regulatory system for captive wildlife that includes licensing, inspection, enforcement, and penalties. The government should also prohibit the opening of new facilities and the breeding of wild animals in captivity.