Marineland has filed a lawsuit against a former animal trainer linked to accusations of improper care of animals at the Niagara Falls theme park.
A Statement of Claim alleges Phil Demers pitched a reality TV show that was rejected by Marineland management, that Demers had then plotted to steal Smooshi, a walrus he had trained, and that he trespassed on park property and intimidated staff members.
The million-dollar lawsuit also claims Demers' girlfriend, a former Marineland animal trainer herself who is the subject of a separate lawsuit, went to a Toronto newspaper alleging animal mismanagement and neglect.
But investigations by a number of animal welfare groups found no signs of neglect or abuse.
