Indian Officials Announce a Ban on Dolphin Shows

The New York Times reports that the Animal Welfare Board of India has recently announced that it will block any proposals for dolphin-themed parks. The AWBI cites dolphins in captivity as violating the country’s 1960 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. With a rise in India’s middle-class population, several businesses are hoping to capitalize on animal-entertainment theme parks, specifically featuring dolphins. S. Chinny Krishna, AWBI’s vice-chairman, tells the NYT, “All types of studies have shown that these animals, after capture, are under a very high level of stress. A wild animal belongs in the wild.” In addition, the board has reiterated to state governments and wildlife wardens that the capture and transport of dolphins, porpoises, and whales is illegal.