POLL: Should Canada Ban Whale and Dolphin Captivity?

POLL: Should Canada Ban Whale and Dolphin Captivity?



After years of delays, animal advocates are again hopeful that Canadian lawmakers will move to pass legislation banning whale and dolphin captivity.

The legislation, Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act (S-203), would effectively phase out captivity by banning captive breeding, imports, exports and live captures of all whales, dolphins and porpoises in Canada, with exceptions for situations involving the rescue of injured animals.

POLL: Should Canada Ban Whale and Dolphin Captivity?
SeaWorld and other marine parks in California will no longer be allowed to have shows featuring killer whales performing tricks for crowds’ entertainment. Photograph by Flip Nicklin, Minden Pictures/National Geographic

While it will grandfather in whales and dolphins who are already in captivity, including dozens of belugas and dolphins, and Kiska, Canada’s lone captive orca, it will ensure no others suffer the way they have in the future.

The bill was first introduced in 2015 by Senator Wilfred Moore, who at the timeciteda number of reasons behind his effort from social isolation and stress caused by captivity, in addition to calling the process of removing of individuals from the wild “disturbing.”

Moore has since reached the mandatory age for retirement, and sponsorship of the bill has been handed over to Senator Murray Sinclair. Unfortunately, despite widespread support from the public, animal advocacy organizations and scientists, it’s continued to be blocked by other senators.

“The whole delay thing has not helped the image of the Senate…,” said Moore. “But there’s a lot of very solid public and Parliamentary support for this bill, on both sides of the aisle.We have the best marine scientists from across the globe supporting the bill either in person, written brief, or by videoconference. Clearly the Canadian public is with us. There’s no doubt about that, so we’re not going anywhere. We’re in this. We believe in what we’re doing.”

Now, however, supporters are celebrating progress that’s finally being made. At the end of April, the bill’s report was finally adopted by the Senate clearing the way for it move forward.

While those currently in captivity may never be able to enjoy the freedom they should have in the wild, this groundbreaking legislation will help empty the tanks, and set the stage for a future where we work to protect them in the wild where they belong.

If the Senate passes it, the bill will then go to the House of Commons for final passage, making it more important than ever to speak up in support.

TAKE ACTION!

You can help show your support by signing and sharing the petition urging Canadian lawmakers to pass S-203.

You can show even more support for ending cetacean captivity around the world by participating in the sixth annual Empty the Tanks Worldwide day on May 12.

This article was first published by Care2.com on 10 May 2018.


We invite you to share your opinion whether Canada should ban whale and dolphin captivity? Please vote and leave your comments at the bottom of this page.

Should Canada Ban Whale and Dolphin Captivity?

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Editorial Comment: The purpose of this poll is to highlight important wildlife conservation issues and to encourage discussion on ways to stop wildlife crime. By leaving a comment and sharing this post you can help to raise awareness. Thank you for your support.

 

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