India India Calls Dolphins ‘Non-Human Persons’, Bans In-Captivity Shows

Source: Epoch Times of India

India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests, has banned public entertainment shows by captive dolphins calling it morally unacceptable

“Cetaceans in general are highly intelligent and sensitive, and various scientists who have researched dolphin behavior have suggested that the unusually high intelligence compared to other animals means that dolphins should be seen as ‘non-human persons’ and as such should have their own specific rights and it is morally unacceptable to keep them captive for entertainment purposes.”

Basker mentions that more countries need to come up with such policies to prevent more Dolphins from being captured. “Mentioning Dolphins as ‘non-human persons’ gives huge impetus to the Animal Rights discourse in the world. It’s a great statement,” he says.

Basker believes that the essence of this statement is that keeping Dolphins under captivity is cruel. “Under the aegis of the Wildlife Protection Act of India, Dolphins are protected as are any other species. By mentioning them as non-human persons, the government has probably tried to heighten their status under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960.”

Read more: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/73290-india-calls-dolphins-non-human-persons-bans-in-captivity-shows/