The Cherry Brook Zoo in Saint John, N.B. (Wave News)
Crown prosecutors will not be laying charges after the deaths of several guinea pigs at the Cherry Brook Zoo in Saint John.
The New Brunswick SPCA announced the news Wednesday in a statement on Facebook.
Officials with the society said they opened an investigation into the matter in January.
They put forward recommended charges under the NB SPCA Act and the Criminal Code of Canada for inhumane euthanasia and causing unnecessary pain and suffering.
“The NBSPCA was notified today that following a review of the file, the decision was made by the Crown Prosecutor that there will be no pending charges in this case,” said a statement from the SPCA.
“The NBSPCA cannot provide any additional comments on this decision or the case.”
Zoo Responds To Investigation
The decision not to lay charges comes as no surprise to Jim Turnbull, who represents the zoo’s board of trustees.
“We were comfortable and confident that the investigation would lead to the result that we see today,” said Turnbull.
Turnbull explains the zoo has a program where some animals are used as feed three times a year.
He said it is a common practice globally and the animals are euthanized humanely.
“An allegation was made by someone that the zoo was not following guidelines and that animals were being euthanized inhumanely,” Turnbull said.
“The staff here at the zoo, plus the board of trustees, were confident that wasn’t the case.”
Turnbull said the animals are euthanized humanely as per national guidelines set out by Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums.
He said all animals at the zoo — including those in the feed program — receive full veterinary care and proper living conditions, adding animal welfare is their top priority.
Turnbull said he is unsure who made the allegation but noted it was not a current employee of the zoo.
He said animal welfare is the zoo’s top priority and will continue to be going forward.
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