The Justice Building on Queen Street in Fredericton. (Brad Perry/Wave News)
The New Brunswick SPCA will not have to release documents related to its investigation into dead guinea pigs at the Cherry Brook Zoo.
Ken Hopkins took the SPCA to court to try and get the organization’s report released publicly.
The case was heard by a Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Deborah Hackett in Fredericton last Thursday.
According to the SPCA, the judge has dismissed Hopkins’ request, saying the organization is not subject to the province’s Right To Information and Protection of Privacy Act (RTIPPA).
“Because the New Brunswick SPCA is a private registered charity, it is not subject to RTIPPA,” said the organization Wednesday in a statement posted to Facebook.
Media Release:Court Decision rendered in Right To Information and Protection of Privacy Act requestFredericton, NB,…
Posted by New Brunswick SPCA Animal Protection on Wednesday, July 17, 2019
The New Brunswick SPCA recommended charges of inhumane euthanasia and causing unnecessary pain and suffering, but Crown prosecutors decided not to lay charges after reviewing the case.
An investigation by Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums also found no evidence to support accusations of inhumane euthanasia.
The SPCA said it would “not be prudent to release specific information about this, or any other case, because it would reveal confidential third-party information and/or other sensitive details,” which could affect future investigations.
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