Canada bans whale and dolphin captivity

17 Jun 2019

Canada bans whale and dolphin captivity

Canada bans whale and dolphin captivityCanada has banned the practice of keeping dolphins, whales and porpoises in captivity*.

The bill is called the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, nicknamed the “Free Willy” bill.
 	It makes the captivity, breeding, trade, possession and capture of cetaceans* as illegal*.
 	The bill was first introduced in the Canadian Parliament in 2015. It was passed on 10th June 2019.
 	Parks and aquariums that violate the new laws could face fines of up to Canadian $200,000.

Animal rights groups such as Humane Society International, Animal Justice and the Whale Sanctuary Project, all fought to get the bill passed.

Orcas, dolphins and other cetaceans have been popular at aquatic theme parks for decades.

But they have often been treated badly and keeping them in tanks is seen as very cruel.

*Cetaceans: Mammals that live in the sea, like whales, orcas (killer whales), dolphins etc.

*Captivity: The situation in which a person or animal is kept somewhere and is not allowed to leave.

*Illegal: Not allowed by law

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

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Canada has banned the practice of keeping dolphins, whales and porpoises in captivity*. The bill is called the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins […]

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Comments: 2

Sanaa says:

17 June 2019 at 8:33 pm

whats the meaning of captivity

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- curioustimes says:
  
  17 June 2019 at 8:37 pm
  
  Dear Sanaa
  
  Captivity means not being able to be free; in cage or prison. Humans have been keeping animals and birds in captivity.
  This is good news for the dolphins and whales, who are subjected to shows.
  
  Keep reading, stay curious!
  
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