Great news for dolphins! No more captive breeding in NSW.

No dolphin will be captured from the wild or bred for a life in captivity in NSW ever again. And it’s all thanks to the persistence and dedication of compassionate Australians.

New regulations outlawing the commercial breeding and importation of dolphins have officially been passed in NSW!

A huge thank you to Action for Dolphins and NSW State MP Emma Hurst of the Animal Justice Party for their tireless work in this area, and to all those who joined them in speaking out on behalf of dolphins — and in doing so, helped to bring about this historic change for marine animals.

An example of tenacity on behalf of animals

This huge step forward holds special meaning for Animals Australia supporters. One of the first submissions to government ever made on behalf of animals by this organisation, then known as the Australian Federation of Animal Societies, was to a Senate Select Committee on this very issue. Subsequently the Select Committee recommended an end to captive display of marine animals like dolphins and whales — in 1985.

Yet, as we’ve learned over the decades in animal advocacy, an acknowledgement of the need for change doesn’t necessarily lead to immediate change.

So to see historic progress for these animals finally passing NSW Parliament, and to know that not another sensitive, playful dolphin will be born only to spend day after day in a concrete pool in NSW, is profoundly moving and inspiring.

Marine animals still need your help

The Australian Government is considering removing humpback whales from the protection of the endangered species list. You can make a short, simple submission as a member of the public on whether you support this or not, at this link.

You can also discover more about why keeping marine animals in captivity for ‘entertainment’ needs to end for good, and how you can help.