Canada Bans Whale And Dolphin Captivity

June 11, 2019

Canada's parliament on Monday approved a bill that bans keeping whales, dolphins and porpoises in captivity for entertainment, as well as the capture and breeding of cetaceans.

Bill S-203, also called the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, was introduced in 2015 and is now awaiting symbolic royal approval.

"Nothing fantastic ever happens in a hurry. But today we celebrate that we have ended the captivity and breeding of whales and dolphins. This is news to splash a fin at," Humane Canada wrote on Twitter.

"These intelligent, social mammals will now get to live where they belong -- in the ocean," Green Party Canada said in a tweet.

The bill does contain exceptions for marine mammals who require rehabilitation following an injury, or in other cases when it's in the animal's best interests.

"We hope other countries will now follow Canada's lead and that travel companies will also realize the declining acceptance for these types of attractions," said Melissa Matlow, the campaign director for World Animal Protection Canada.

"Canada is now one of 11 leading countries that have taken a progressive stand against the keeping and breeding of whales, dolphins and porpoises for entertainment."