Vancouver park board chair Constance Barnes expressed shock Sunday after reports that some former Stanley Park petting zoo animals have been sent to slaughter.
When the zoo closed in 2011, many of the goats and sheep were adopted out to a hobby farm where they were to live out the rest of their lives.
But Barnes recently discovered that the owner might have violated the terms of the adoption by allegedly selling the animals for slaughter.
“I was very distressed to learn of the alleged mistreatment of several goats and sheep adopted out to a local farm,” Barnes said in a statement. “Park board staff undertook a comprehensive process to find appropriate locations for the animal and staff.”
Barnes said she contacted the B.C. SPCA on Friday to check on the welfare of the remaining animals.
The park board is trying to get those animals back and have asked the city lawyer to take “aggressive legal action” over the alleged violation.
The animals at the petting zoo were adopted out to a total of 13 families.
The park board is following up with all the animals to make sure the adoption agreements with the 12 other families are being honoured.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
About The Reporter
