A Guidebook for Dolphin Defenders by Richard O’Barry Like any other business, the dolphin captivity industry is based on supply and demand. As long as there are people willing to buy tickets to watch dolphins perform tricks, dolphins will be captured from the wild and trained to perform for huge paying audiences. Therefore, the key to putting a stop to the exploitation of dolphins is to reach the consumers. I am sure that if the public knew what really goes on behind the glittering scene of the captive dolphin spectacle, most would revolt against it. In other words, rather than buying tickets to watch dolphins perform, they would be helping us free them. Getting worldwide public opinion on our side, getting people to see what we see at a dolphin show, that’s our big goal. And we’re making some progress overall, winning in some parts of the world; losing in others. If people understand our message, they’ll join us. I’m sure of that. If they can realize that when we talk about “dolphin abuse,” we don’t necessarily mean that they’re being kicked or neglected. Being in captivity itself is abusive. For a wild dolphin swimming free, being captured and plunged into a tank that’s like a teacup, how could that not be abusive? THE OTHER SIDE, AND WHY THEY HATE US Owners of dolphin shows and the people who work there have a huge advantage. For openers, many people like the shows. They’re amused by the silly dolphin antics. Or they love the spectacles of animal domination, and the more amazing the animal, the more they love it. Chances are they’ll never understand what we are trying to do. But a lot of others are borderline. They will listen to us and to their own heart. The other side has lots of money, billions of dollars. As part of the establishment, they make money and pay taxes. They’re good citizens. They advertise, they support the chamber of commerce, and as far as the government is concerned, dolphin shows are just another taxable business. But it’s an ugly business, and that’s our key to winning. Follow the link to read the full article!
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 20:51:34 +0000
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