Though the National Animal Care Council does have recommendations regarding transport of farmed animals in extreme weather, they are merely guidelines — not law — and are vaguely worded and rarely enforced.

We aren't barbarians. But throwing animals on the ice — including catfish during Predators games — makes all sports fans, even those of us who oppose the practice, look dumb.

Leaving a dog tied up unattended poses great risk to both dogs and public safety: dogs can become stressed, suffer in extreme temperatures and act out in aggressive ways.

Many of us can only imagine how difficult it might be to finally leave an abusive household, with nowhere to go but a shelter. Now imagine how much more difficult that would become with the added prospect of leaving a beloved pet behind.

It ethically unjustifiable to amputate an animal's body parts simply to protect humans or furniture from being scratched. Canada is past due in joining other jurisdictions in banning this cruel and unwarranted practice.

The struggle to shut down these zoos using the power of the courts is still very much ongoing. But this case succeeded in keeping years-old investigations into Marineland's treatment of animals in the news.

The dog in the clip is making money for the production, at the expense of his own comfort and security. That is the definition of exploitation.