The dolphinariums have attacked the ministerial decree of May 3rd 2017, known as "the dolphinarium decree". It decreed the end of reproduction and captivity of cetaceans and the improvement of the living conditions of orcas and dolphins currently held in pools. The pools for moment are chlorinated and too small for them, on Friday, January 12th, 2018 at 2.00 pm the State Council will hear the animal welfare associations, the Ministry of Environment, and the dolphinariums on these issues.
The dolphinariums have challenged by an action for annulment of the order of May 3rd 20171 of the then Minister of the Environment Ségolène Royal. This decree pronounced the banning of keeping any new cetacean specimens in French pools and instituting new standards for keeping the remaining animals, including the ban on the use of chlorine.
Muriel Arnal, President of One
Voice, fully supports the original text:
"The Ministerial Decree of 3rd
May at last puts the dignity of sentient beings endowed with cultures
and languages above economic interests. It must absolutely be
maintained. By putting an end to the heartbreak of families and the
bereavement associated with breeding programmes, this text will
improve the living conditions of dolphins and orcas. And these will
be the last detainees in France thus deprived of freedom and their
fundamental rights. Ethics, common sense and humanity must continue
to prevail over commercial logic.”
An interim suspension procedure was also initiated by the dolphinariums, and in July 20172 resulted in the partial suspension of the order concerning the prohibition of chlorine. However, the judge hearing the application for interim measures had maintained the ban on the breeding of orcas and dolphins.
Now it is the turn of the judgment office of the Council of State to decide on the legality of this decree. A hearing will therefore be held on January 12 to gather the observations of the lawyers to the State Council representing the parties: the parks and the Ministry, and associations including One Voice (representing in France the coalition Dolphinaria-Free Europe), intervened voluntarily to the procedure. One Voice has filed a brief of more than 50 pages which explains why this decree must be maintained together with 46 pieces including certificates from different specialists in marine mammals.
The Council of State should render its decision in early February.
