The Animal Advocates Society WatchDog News

Re: Sea Life Adventure: Is exploiting animals for profit a sound basis for animal welfare?

Posted By: Leon Davis
Date: Monday, 24 August 2009, at 3:25 p.m.

In Response To: Sea Life Adventure: Is exploiting animals for profit a sound basis for animal welfare? *LINK* (AAS)

I understand people's reticence in regards to a manager from a commercial venture now being responsible for animal welfare. However what is not clear from the "Sea Life Adventure" website is that we were very involved with animal welfare advocacy, rescuing injured marine life and educating the public on welfare issues.

A large majority of our animals were abandoned by owners who could not care for their aquatic pets. Very often fishermen would catch an unintended "victim" in their nets and bring them to us.

The problem then was what to do with them after medical treatment. Local bylaws would not allow us to release the animals back into the estuary if they had ever been treated with antibiotics. The fear was that they would reenter the food chain.

Therefore we retained them and used them to educate the public. Yes this was a commercial for profit business but rest assured with me in charge the welfare of the animals in that centre was my first priority.

We were very active in the community and won awards for "Environmental Awareness". We ran a successful program against shark finning and gave people the opportunity to "sponsor" wild dolphins.

If we ever had to humanely euthanize a fish, the same consideration was given as would be expected anywhere else. A vet would visit and sedate the fish then deliver a lethal injection. We cared deeply for our watery charges.

Now I am responsible for the animals in the Nanaimo community; a responsibility which I do not take lightly. The community has shown both myself and the shelter great support this year and I am grateful more than you could know.

This support is ensuring our growth and success and secures a continued effort to protect all those who have no voice of their own. We still need help going into the second half of 2009 but I am confident that support will continue. I have a steadfast eye on moving forward with plans for a new shelter and if we can continue to grow public support this now has the potential to become a reality.

Messages In This Thread

Lorrain Chiorando no longer manages the Nanaimo SPCA shelter
Jean Martin -- Monday, 2 March 2009, at 10:19 a.m.

Lorrain Chiorando and Audrey Hill both practiced real animal welfare ethics
AAS -- Wednesday, 4 March 2009, at 3:25 p.m.

Avanzino: 101 years: "That’s the place where animals are killed". *LINK*
AAS -- Sunday, 8 March 2009, at 7:33 a.m.

New top dog at Nanaimo SPCA *LINK* *PIC*
AAS -- Wednesday, 4 March 2009, at 3:31 p.m.

Sea Life Adventure: Is exploiting animals for profit a sound basis for animal welfare? *LINK*
AAS -- Wednesday, 4 March 2009, at 3:52 p.m.

Re: Sea Life Adventure: Is exploiting animals for profit a sound basis for animal welfare?
Leon Davis -- Monday, 24 August 2009, at 3:25 p.m.

I am delighted to see that Leon Davis is posting on AAS
Robert Brodgesell -- Tuesday, 8 September 2009, at 7:40 p.m.

Kindly cat cuddle is now taboo at the Nanaimo SPCA. "The cats are crying and roaring behind the glass"
Jean Martin -- Thursday, 5 March 2009, at 6:44 p.m.

Do not pick up and cuddle your kids, either
Barry Faires -- Friday, 6 March 2009, at 8:32 a.m.

Human Contact Necessary for Shelter Cats' Mental Health
Jean Martin -- Saturday, 7 March 2009, at 8:51 p.m.

The recognized value of volunteer attention to shelter animals
Lana Simon -- Monday, 9 March 2009, at 2:06 p.m.