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. "
