A planned end to dolphinariums in France!

Associations
united in their fight, The Animal Code, Dolphin Connection, One
Voice, Cetacean Network and Sea Shepherd have received with joy and
relief the definitive text of the new “dolphinariums”
decree, signed on May 3 by Ségolène Royal for the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and the Environment.

Sometimes
welcomed openly by other associations, the text submitted for public
consultation last February has been fought for right up until the
last moment by these associations. Disappointed with the scope of
improving the written text that dates from 1981, they demanded a
repeal and the dismantling of the dolphinariums. These demands, the
lobbying action, files and reports provided as well by a very strong
public support (more than 16,000 comments on 4,500 pages of public
consultation) were listened to. This represents a victory for
environmental democracy and for the animal cause.

Indeed,
among the advances in this final text, which is to improve several
points and conditions of detention of captive cetaceans (orcas and
dolphins) in 4 French dolphinariums. A major modification was
introduced by the Minister at our request: in six months, when this
text is fully implemented, French law will prohibit the captive
detention of all cetaceans, except those already held. Clearly, this
means the end of breeding programs, trade or importation, programs
maintaining a deadly system, tearing apart the families of cetaceans
that are exploited. Without a possible renewal, it simply means the
end of the circus of marine life on our territory, and this French
advance is historic.

The
Dolphin Connection, through Christophe Wszolek, declares: “We
consider that captivity no longer has a place in our modern societies
and that this new version of the decree goes in the right direction
and opens the way for definitive cessation of captivity. “

Muriel
Arnal, One Voice rejoices: “Without letting ourselves be lured
by a smoke screen that did not in any way regulate the purpose and
the cruelty of the delphinarium circuit, we fought against all odds
for a fair stand. Our struggle and the support of the French people
has borne fruit. This is the end to an unworthy slavery of our time,
and our gratitude to those who have contributed to its demise.”

Sandra
Guyomard of Cetaceans Network, salutes for her part the arbitration
rendered by Ségolène Royal: “A fair decision, a step for a
dolphinariums free France. The real show is to seen in the wild. “

Lamya
Essemlali of Sea Shepherd also welcomes this decision: “Captivity
is the unworthy legacy from another era. It is time that France, like
many other countries finishes and looks to the future. We are pleased
to see today that it is taking the right path. “

Anne-Sophie
Riing of Animal Code: “Our decision to refuse the first decree
was difficult to make and we had hesitated for a long time, fearing
that we had already reached a current political limit, we are happy
that France is now ready today to finally turn the page. We sincerely
thank all the actors who have participated in this breakthrough, on
the other hand, we regret that the cetaceans still in captivity will
continue to have to perform in shows. “

This
text undoubtedly marks a new era in France and all over Europe for
this much-maligned leisure industry. “Our associations thank
those who supported their fight, refusing the compromise of certain
measures and wanting ethics and freedom for cetaceans. We think of
the orcas and dolphins who remain prisoners, even though this decree
provides for many positive provisions, improving their conditions and
the follow-up care they will receive. For them, we will still go to
court and continue to work on rehabilitation solutions in
sanctuaries. But today we think especially of all those who will not
be born into captivity tomorrow. “