When you see whales or dolphins swimming through the vast ocean, you come to realize that these magnificent creatures should never be held in captivity. It’s flat out inhumane to keep them cramped in small pools, and the government of Canada seems to agree.
On Monday, Canadian lawmakers passed legislation banning whale and dolphin captivity in the country. Under the new law, which was dubbed the ‘Free Willy’ bill, the practice of holding whales, dolphins and porpoises will be phased out, though animals currently in captivity will remain. It also bans the capture of wild dolphins and whales, or cetaceans, as well as the practice of captive breeding and the import and export of such animals.
Animal rights groups including PETA and the Humane Society International/Canada have hailed the decision as a positive step toward addressing animal cruelty. The hope is now that other countries like the US will come to their senses and ban this inhumane practice.
