Activists Fined for Violating MMPA

Activists Fined for Violating MMPA

Dolphin sanctuary shut down


By: Staff  Date: 01/13/2012 Category: | Wildlife Journal |

Animal rights advocates Richard O'Barry, a vocal critic of captive cetacean shows, and Lloyd Good were fined $59,500 for the 1996 release of two dolphins from Sugarloaf Dolphin Sanctuary in Sugarloaf Key, Florida, in violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the federal agency with jurisdiction over marine mammals, charged O'Barry with releasing the dolphins into the open ocean without permits or proper preparation. The two Navy dolphins had been in captivity for 10 years. A day after the release, one dolphin appeared at a marina in Key West, begging for food and suffering from deep lacerations. Two weeks later, the second dolphin turned up in emaciated condition about 40 miles from the release site, also with deep lacerations. Both dolphins were recaptured and remain in custody. The government also confiscated a third dolphin before it could be released, leaving the sanctuary empty, and the US Department of Agriculture suspended the Sugarloaf operating license for illegally releasing the dolphins and for failure to provide adequate veterinary care.

O'Barry and Good have until July 11 to appeal the decision.

 


Rutgers' animal law clinic closes

Law professor Gary Francione, a long-time animal rights advocate, has closed his Animal Rights Law Center at Rutgers University because he is tired of fighting individuals and organizations that oppose legal rights for animals. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Francione blamed the fizzling of the animal rights movement and a more conservative attitude among students as reasons for the closure.

The center was the only one in the country to specialize in cases involving animals used for food, dissection, hunting, research, and entertainment. It represented students who did not want to dissect animals in science classes, activists who opposed deer hunts, and veterinary students who did not want to learn surgical techniques on healthy animals.

Fund for Animals is HSUS partner

 

The Humane Society of the US, an organization with an annual budget of more than $40 million, has formed a partnership with the Fund For Animals, a vocal anti-hunting group with a budget of less than $1 million per year.

FFA was founded by activist Cleveland Amory. In announcing the new coalition, HSUS said: "We know that this partnership in grassroots activism will help us reach more wonderful animal advocates and, as a result, do more for the animals."

The first joint project is production of Humanelines, a newsletter that encourages activists to influence legislation and policies to advance the animal rights agenda.




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All Authors Of This Article: | Patti Strand |
 
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