Owner of Bowmanville Zoo, charged with animal cruelty, back in court next month
Posted June 6, 2016 8:29 am.
Last Updated June 7, 2016 7:28 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The owner of the Bowmanville Zoo, charged with animal cruelty, appeared in court on Monday and had a trial date set for July 21.
Michael Hackenberger is charged with four counts of causing an animal distress and one of failing to comply with the prescribed standards of care for an animal.
The OSPCA began its investigation after video footage surfaced that appeared to show Hackenberger hitting a tiger with a whip during a training session. The footage emerged in December.
Three of the distress charges relate to the use of a whip.
Watch below: OSPCA says Bowmanville Zoo owner could face two years in jail. Click here for mobile.
If Hackenberger is found guilty, he could face a maximum of a $60,000 fine, two years in jail and a lifetime prohibition of owning animals.
He has already stepped down as zoo director.
Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums – which represents zoos and aquariums in Canada and promotes the welfare of the animals they house – has revoked Hackenberger’s professional membership for violations of its code of ethics.
