All charges of animal cruelty against Marineland have been withdrawn by the Crown because it believes there is no reasonable chance of conviction on most of the 11 counts. During a brief hearing in Niagara Falls Thursday, the Crown said it could have proceeded on three of the charges but did not believe it was in the public interest to do so. The OSPCA disagreed with the Crown’s decision, saying in a statement to CBC News that it was not informed of the decision until after the court proceedings. “We are extremely disappointed in this outcome and feel that this matter is of public interest as all animals rely on humans for appropriate care for their general welfare and the public demands this,” said Alison Cross, spokesperson for the OSPCA. Marineland has said that the complaints which led to the charges were made by a disgruntled former employee and misguided animal rights activists.
