India bans captive dolphin shows, says dolphins should be seen as ‘non-human persons’
Wikimedia Commons
Source treehugger
By Stephen Messenger
Dolphins have long been one of our favorite ocean-going animal counterparts, blurring the line that separates human intelligence and emotion from the wildness of nature. Sadly, though, this attraction has resulted in dolphins around the world being exploited for our entertainment, subjected to a life in captivity.
But now, in a bold move to protect the well-being of dolphins, India has moved to ban dolphin shows — a push that helps elevate their status from creatures of mere curiosity to one that borders more closely to that of personhood.
Late last week, India’s Minstry of the Environment and Forests released a statement banning “any person / persons, organizations, government agencies, private or public enterprises that involves import, capture of cetacean species to establish for commercial entertainment, private or public exhibition and interaction purposes whatsoever.”
In so doing, India became the largest of four countries to ban the practice — which includes Costa Rica, Hungary, and Chile. But the ministry didn’t stop there; their thoughtful reasoning behind the ban seems squarely aimed at the dozens of countries across the globe, like in Europe and the United States, where dolphin shows are big business.
“Whereas cetaceans in general are highly intelligent and sensitive, and various scientists who have researched dolphin behavior have suggested that the unusually high intelligence; as compared to other animals means that dolphin should be seen as ‘non-human persons’ and as such should have their own specific rights and is morally unacceptable to keep them captive for entertainment purpose,” reads the ministry’s statement.
In the U.S., similar efforts on the part of animal rights organizations have failed to gain traction in courts, leaving the door open for both dolphins and orcas to be held in captivity and paraded for our entertainment. The stark realities of this life, held in small pools on the grounds of marine parks, can best be seen from overhead — as with this facility in Florida, a stone’s throw from animals’ vast ocean habitat.
It’s no wonder then, that India’s move to abolish captivity for dolphins is being looked upon, among animal rights supporters, as a big step in the right direction.
“This is a huge win for dolphins,” says Ric O’Barry of the Earth Island Institute’s Dolphin Project. “Not only has the Indian government spoken out against cruelty, they have contributed to an emerging and vital dialogue about the ways we think about dolphins – as thinking, feeling beings rather than pieces of property to make money off of.”
we dolphins clap our fins.
for joy we leap,
we belong free,
in the bright blue deep.
we hope that soon, ALL
ahimals will receive,
the equal status to
humans,
in this we ALL
believe!
Karen Lyons Kalmenson
Our Compass 
my poem disappeared twice 😦
LikeLike
I am so sorry! I don’t know why that would happen. Would you please try again, post it on my facebook page, or send it to me via the Contact Us form? https://our-compass.org/contact-us/ Thank you so much, Karen, and again, I am sorry that is happening.
LikeLike
There must be a glitch Karen, because i havent been able to access my messages / replies here either
LikeLike
I’d be VERY upset, too, Karen, if it happened to me-and I’m sure the dolphins are, too
LikeLike
there is that final “a” on my last name that shouldn’t be there! (either too much or not enough)
LikeLike
It is great to see progress being made!! Thanks for posting this.
LikeLike
every step forward is huge!!! ❤
LikeLike
I agree! Thank you, ladies.
LikeLike
This is fantastic news Stacey im so happy to read this i only pray that other countries follow suit i think America will be the hardest and the last to stop it!
LikeLike
The momentum is here, and people, slowly, are listening…and hearing, the message.
LikeLike
Well-said, wonderful poet.
LikeLike
thank you stacey☺☻
LikeLike
Fantastic news !!!
LikeLike
I agree! Love the cat. 🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Sherlockian's Blog.
LikeLike
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
You are welcome, Stacey.
B2B.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike