[getsmart-l] 97% of Ontarians surveyed say zoos must meet professional standards

[Media Release]

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Media Release - For Immediate Release
Attention News and Assignment Editors:

97% of Ontarians surveyed say zoos must meet professional standards

MPP David Zimmer's Bill 154 aims to protect animals and people

(Toronto, Ontario, February 20, 2007)  A province-wide poll released 
yesterday indicates the vast majority of Ontarians believe zoo 
operators should be required to obtain a license and comply with 
professional animal welfare and public safety standards. The poll, 
conducted by Oraclepoll Research*, asked 1,000 Ontarians across the 
province a series of questions on issues relating to animal care in Ontario.

More zoos are known to exist in Ontario than in any other province, 
and many of them are substandard roadside facilities. The poll was 
conducted in support of Willowdale MPP David Zimmer's Regulation of 
Zoos Act (Bill 154) which aims to address problems in these "roadside 
zoos" by setting standards of animal care and public safety for all 
Ontario zoos.

Dubbed the Zimmer Zoo Bill, Bill 154 proposes a number of important 
standards that the current Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act 
overlooks. It would ensure every animal has adequate food, water, 
space, shelter and stimulation to satisfy their physical and 
behavioural needs. It would also put in place safety standards for 
the benefit of zoo staff and volunteers, the visiting public and 
neighbouring communities.

In explaining his rationale for introducing the Bill, Mr. Zimmer 
said, "The proper treatment of animals is a mark of a sophisticated, 
compassionate society. Ensuring that all zoos meet professional 
standards will help the animals, the visiting public, and those who 
live near zoos, as well as improve the bottom line for zoo owners 
across the province."

The poll included a number of questions about the current regulations 
concerning animal treatment and public safety in zoo enclosures:
    * 97% agree that Zoos should be required by law to meet 
professional standards of animal welfare and public safety;
    * 90% agree that residents keeping wildlife such as tigers and 
monkeys in a zoo should be licensed;
    * 83% support having a provincial agency inspect zoos to ensure 
they are safe;
    * 87% agree that zoo operators should have formal education and 
training in animal care;
    * 89% agree zoo operators should be required to have a business 
plan and base level funding; and
    * 67% of females polled said they would have a favourable opinion 
of their local MPP if they voted to support Bill 154.
"The poll results don't surprise me," said Pat Tohill, Campaigns 
Manager with WSPA. "Ontarians have shown again and again that they 
care deeply about the well-being of animals, wild and domestic. What 
does surprise me is that we've been operating so long without any 
standards for captive wildlife whatsoever."

Mr. Tohill added, "Perhaps most interesting is the percentage of 
people polled who said they would have a much more favourable opinion 
of their MPP if they voted to support Bill 154. 63% of respondents 
said they would favour an MPP who supported the Zimmer Zoo Bill. It 
seems that MPPs stand to score some valuable political support if 
they vote 'yes' to Bill 154."

To explain the benefits of the Zimmer Zoo Bill, WSPA is hosting a 
series of public information sessions this week.  The sessions take 
place at the following locations and times:
    * Barrie - Tuesday, February 20, 6 - 8pm, Royal Canadian Legion 
Branch 147, 410 St. Vincent Street
    * London - Wednesday, February 21, 6 - 8pm, Royal Canadian Legion 
Branch 263, 499 Hill Street
    * Brantford - Thursday, February 22, 6 - 8pm, Royal Canadian 
Legion Branch 90, 21 Oak Street
For more information see www.ontariozoos.ca/townhalls.html or call 
1-800-363-WSPA (9772).

A petition in support of Bill 154 can also be found on the website, 
www.OntarioZoos.ca.

- 30 -

For more information or to arrange interviews, contact:

Patrick Tohill, Campaigns Manager, Canada, WSPA, 416-369-0044 ext. 
104, cell: 416-898-9448, tohill(at)wspa.ca

Brent Kulba (ECO Media Relations), 416-972-7401, kulbab(at)huffstrategy.com

* The survey polled 1,000 Ontarians between January 20th and January 
27th, 2007 and has a margin of error of +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20.
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