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'Free Willy' Law Passed In Canada Banning Holding Dolphins And Whales In Captivity

'Free Willy' Law Passed In Canada Banning Holding Dolphins And Whales In Captivity

The law bans keeping dolphin and whales in captivity or breeding them...

Ciara Sheppard

Ciara Sheppard

In today's great news, Canada has passed a bill that bans holding dolphins and whales in captivity or for breeding.

The law, which is being called the 'Free Willy bill' after the 1993 film, was originally proposed in 2015 but was finally passed on Monday by Canadian parliament.

Violations of the law will be punishable with fines up to 200,000 Canadian dollars (roughly £118,000).

PA

There are some notable exceptions: animals already being held will be allowed to be kept in captivity, but cannot continue breeding.

The means dolphins and whales in captivity will be the last generation to suffer in Canada.

Marine animals can also be held for a short time for scientific research or rehabilitation from injury.

"Today is a really good day for animals in Canada," Green Party leader Elizabeth May said of the bill, officially named Bill S-203.

"Canadians have been clear, they want the cruel practice of keeping whales and dolphins in captivity to end. With the passage of Bill S-203, we have ensured that this will happen," she added.

SeaWorld is in the process of phasing out orca use at its parks.
PA

Former senator Wilfred Moore, who first proposed the bill four years ago, said in a statement: "We have a moral obligation to phase out the capture and retention of animals for profit and entertainment. Canadians are calling upon us to do better - and we have listened."

Free Willy (1993) tells the story of orphan Jesse who bonds with a male orca named Willy while he's completing community service at a marine park. When the park owner intends to make a profit from the whale in a cruel show, Jesse and friends set out to free Willy and reunite him with his family.

The film is fictional, but Willy's captivity and separation from his family is a reality for many whales and dolphins in captivity.

Dawn Brancheau performing with Tilikum before her death in 2010.
PA

The plight of marine animals was brought to global attention in 2013 with the release of Blackfish, a documentary highlighting the controversy around keeping orcas in captivity.

It tells the story of Tilikum, an orca who was captured in 1983 off the shores of Iceland and made to perform at SeaWorld Orlando. The orca killed three people during his time at the park.

The news of the bill comes just days after Japan made plans to resume commercial whaling after 30 years, after pulling out of the International Whaling Commission (IWC).

Featured Image Credit: Pexels

Topics: Life News, Life