MARINELAND BATTLE NOT OVER

Attempts to keep Napier's Marineland open and to bring in new dolphins continue to be orchestrated by locals. According to recent reports, local residents are pressuring Napier list MP Russell Fairbrother to set up a working group with representatives from Napier City Council and Central Government with the aim of keeping Marineland open. It appears Mr Fairbrother has already sought a reassurance from Conservation Minister Chris Carter that he will not change legislation to ban dolphin imports to New Zealand in the immediate future.

"This new report is of concern", says SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek. "Objective science shows that dolphins suffer in captivity. It would be a tragedy if politicians ignore the suffering of dolphins imprisoned for silly entertainment based on the views of just a few constituents".

SAFE still believes no further dolphins will be permitted into Marineland. "Both Mr Fairbrother and Minister Carter have proven to be genuine advocates for animals in the past and we are still convinced that common sense will prevail. That said, reminding them of our concerns about keeping dolphins in captivity may prove timely", says Hans. "Both politicians will be under pressure from the pro-captive dolphin lobby and it is important that they hear from those who put the animals' welfare first".

Send a freepost letter to both politicians at Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

28 October 2006