Crown withdraws animal cruelty charges laid by OSPCA against Marineland

All animal cruelty charges laid by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals against Marineland have been dropped by theCrown, citingno reasonable chance of conviction.

During a brief hearing in a Niagara Falls, Ont., court onThursday, the Crown said it could have proceeded on three of the charges against the theme park, but did not believe that would have served thepublic interest.

The OSPCA disagreed with the Crown'sdecision, 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.

She said the OSPCAhad "conducted a thorough investigation in this case," and said members of the public with concerns for the animals' welfare should contact310-SPCA to report anynew information.

Marineland also released a statement, saying the companyhad suffered "reputational damage" from"five years of baseless accusations by ill-informed, radical activists."

"The Crown conducted its own independent review of the OSPCA charges and has effectively agreed with Marineland by determining all the charges ought to be withdrawn."

The statement from Marinelandalso reiterated a previous statement that the OSPCA was continuing a "publicity campaignat the behest of a band of discredited activists with little relevant expertise or knowledge" that it accused the OSPCAof "being in bed with."

Marinelandwasfacing 11 animal cruelty charges relatingto the treatment of the park's land animals, including black bears, elk, red deer, fallow deer, guinea hens and a peacock.

The OSPCA laid the charges last November and in January.

Marineland denied any wrongdoing, sayingits herds of elk, red deer, fallow deer and bison are "uniformly healthy, well fed, with good coats." It also said its bears are healthy, as are its birds. It also said the complaints were initiated by a disgruntled former employee.

The OSPCA previously saida conviction on all counts at provincial court in Niagara Fallscould result in a fine up to $60,000, a lifetime ban on owning animals and up to two years in jail.