MEDIA STATEMENT: 2nd OCTOBER 2019

TRIPADVISOR’S DECISION TO SEVER TIES WITH CRUEL DOLPHIN PARKS WELCOMED BY NSW ANIMAL JUSTICE MP

Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst has welcomed the news that TripAdvisor has confirmed they will sever all ties with businesses that breed or import captive whales and dolphins.

TripAdvisor released a statement today stating that commercial enterprises that “either breeds or imports cetaceans for public display will be banned from sale on TripAdvisor and Viator. Products currently on sale and found to breach the new rules will be removed over the next few months, with the policy in full force by the end of 2019.”

Quotes attributable to Ms Hurst:

“This decision may influence the outcome of a current NSW Upper House inquiry that is considering the welfare impacts for these animals and the need for NSW legislation to end breeding and use of dolphins for ‘entertainment’.

"Holding dolphins captive in chlorinated swimming pools to swim endless laps day in day out is completely out of line with community expectations. Other businesses should take note, this must be the last generation of cetaceans imprisoned for so-called human ‘entertainment’.

“This decision sends a clear message to travel companies and businesses worldwide that this cruel industry no longer has a place in tourism.

“Dolphins and other cetaceans are smart and self-aware. Imprisoning them for life under the guise of education or entertainment is unethical and inhumane.

MEDIA CONTACT: ROSINA RAYNS, 0401 991 792