Since 1993, the UK has had no captive dolphins or whales and since that time, has gained worldwide respect with regards to this and also for the country having some of the strictest legislation on the keeping of cetacea for public display, as per Annex G, Supplement to the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice, Additional Standards for Cetacean Keeping (1990).
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has launched a consultation on behalf of the English, Welsh, and Scottish Governments seeking public comment on a new review of the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain, which will replace the current standards. Within the new standards, all marine mammals have been combined under Appendix 1.7, and Marine Connection has concerns that this change could potentially open the door for captive cetacean display to be reintroduced, provided relevant guidelines are followed.
We have submitted our comments to DEFRA, requesting that the 1990 Supplement for Additional Standards for Cetacean Keeping is retained as part of this review. Please support our call to ensure that dolphins and whales continue to be protected by the highest standards, and ensure the UK remains free of facilities holding them in captivity.
PLEASE ACT NOW TO ENSURE THE UK REMAINS FREE OF CAPTIVE DOLPHINS & WHALES
Consultation Deadline: 21 June 2022
Further details and online submission here
