Animals Are Beaten Due to Lax Regulations for Roadside Zoos in Ontario – Take Action to Help!

At times, it can be difficult to differentiate between a roadside zoo and a reputable animal Conservation center, but there is no doubt that the Papanack Zoo in Wendover, Ontario is no safe haven for animals.

Thanks to the diligent efforts of the Animal rights group, Animal Justice, undercover footage from their investigations of Papanack Zoo reveals such shocking animal cruelty it is hard to believe the corrupt business is allowed to stay open.

The egregious acts caught on camera by investigators included an animal handler beating a lion cub repeatedly in the face, with the handler justifying it by saying he is “training” the baby animal. A newborn fox and newborn cougar were taken away from their mothers so they could be handled by paying patrons and used as selfie props. A skunk, bobcat, and raccoon were prodded and had their mouths forcibly pried open for a great length of time during a photo shoot for a reality show. Many animals, including a spider monkey, baby coyote, and several big cats were seen exhibiting signs of the psychological disorder common in captive wild animals, zoochosis, including compulsive pacing and swaying.

Why is this allowed to go on, and why hasn’t the Papanack Zoo been shut down by authorities? As Animal Justice explains, Ontario is the only province in Canada that has no regulations or license requirements for zoos, which has suitably given it the undesirable title of “the roadside zoo capital of Canada.” Even when charges are filed against those who commit animal cruelty, the government has no power to actually shut down businesses found to be guilty.

A petition has been set up to help change Ontario’s laws regarding zoos. If you agree that much more needs to be done to protect these animals, please take a moment to sign this petition.

And please share this with your network to help gain more Support for the cause!

Lead Image Source: Pixabay/pexels.com