Fate of Marineland's belugas is pretty much determined. Where will the deer, elk end up?

The fate of cervid and moose at the now-closed Marineland in niagara falls Falls, Ont., remains unsure, with an brute rights organization fearing some could be bound for slaughterhouses.

Animal Justice is calling for federal and provincial officials to intervene on behalf of the welfare of deer and elk at the once-thriving theme park, which for decades drew families to choreographed shows featuring killer and beluga whales, and dolphins.

Kaitlyn Mitchell, a lawyer and director of legal advocacy for Animal Justice, said the situation is "dire."

"They've [deer and elk] all been forced to live on this property for their entire lives," Mitchell said in an interview. "They've entertained children, they've entertained the Ontario public, and now that the site is closed, it seems that no one is looking out for their interests."

The CFIA said it's up to Marineland whether to disclose that information.

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Animal Justice said there could be hundreds of deer and elk still at the massive Marineland property near Chippawa. The group believes some of the animals may already have been trucked away.

On Wednesday, the property was quiet, with fence gates padlocked and weeds growing through cracks in the main parking lot. No deer or elk could be seen behind chain-link fencing.

Marineland said in a statement Friday that the deer and elk — also known as cervids, or animals with hoofs and antlers — are owned by, and the responsibility of, a third party. 

"All cervids receive constant, routine veterinary care and are subject to regulatory oversight" by AWS and the CFIA, the park said. "Marineland provides the owner with access to their cervids upon request, on the understanding that the owner is complying with all applicable laws. We understand the deer in question [were] under observation and receiving veterinary care."

Marineland didn't say how many deer there are, if some have been shipped or where they are going. It didn't provide the name of the third-party owner.

Two people who said they were trying to get some of the deer shipped to them identified the third-party owner as Mike Hart. 

Animal Justice wrote to the CFIA and AWS on June 5, urging them to investigate the well-being and potential transfer of deer and elk. The group said the park intends to be rid of all the animals by July 24.

The CFIA, which is responsible for regulating the shipping of animals, confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that it has issued movement permits for cervids housed at Marineland. 

"The CFIA is committed to the humane treatment of animals in Canada and takes the issue of animal welfare very seriously," the agency said. 

In a statement two days later, the CFIA didn't give the number of deer and elk approved for shipping. As for suggestions some of the animals could be bound for slaughter, the agency said, "The CFIA does not approve the final destination when animals are being moved. Please contact Marineland who is responsible for determining where the animals are taken."

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A lawyer with Agriculture and Food Inspection Legal Services with the Department of Justice Canada, representing CFIA, responded on June 12 to the Animal Justice letter via email to say it's the responsibility of people transporting animals to ensure they're fit for transport and ensure that requirements are met for testing for specific diseases.

"The CFIA is monitoring the situation involving the cervids at Marineland, and will implement measures and enforcement action, as appropriate, based on all evidence at the CFIA’s disposal, in accordance with its authorities," the lawyer said.

Questions including about the transport of livestock should be directed to the CFIA, Ross said.

"Further questions about the conditions of the deer and elk should be directed to Marineland."

Carole Lyne, who lives near Timmins, Ont., said she was contacted by Marineland two years ago with an offer to give her about 110 red deer. 

Lyne and her husband, Lawrence Laramée, built a large compound at considerable cost, only to be contacted by Marineland again in March before the deer were to be shipped to say the deer and elk were by then under the control of Hart, Lyne said.

She said she subsequently entered into negotiations with Hart to obtain a small number of the deer, but that never happened. 

Richard Lafleur, owner of Cedar Meadows hotel and wildlife park in Timmins, said he's working with Hart to have 50 of the deer brought to his park. 

Reporter/editor

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