Initial response to calls for UK legislation review on captive cetaceans

Following the tabling of the EDM on the prohibition of the import and display of cetaceans into the UK, Mike Hancock MP submitted a question at the House of Commons Hansard (“Debates”) yesterday, Tuesday 8 May 2007.

Details of Ben Bradshaw, Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, answer to the question is below:

Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will bring forward proposals for legislation prohibiting the keeping of cetaceans in captivity other than in cases which involve short-term rehabilitation with a view to a release back to the wild of injured cetaceans; and if he will make a statement. [134557]

Mr. Bradshaw: There are currently no cetaceans being kept in captivity in the UK, and other than for purposes of rehabilitation, there have not been any kept since the early 1990s. While it is not illegal to keep cetaceans in this country, the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 (as amended) aims to ensure that, should cetaceans be kept at an establishment for exhibition to the public, the establishment is licensed and the animals kept in accordance with strict standards relating to their health and welfare requirements. Those standards are set out in the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice and its supplement on the keeping of cetaceans in captivity. In addition to the requirements of the Zoo Licensing Act, all animals kept in captivity are subject to protection under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

We therefore have no plans to bring forward legislation to prohibit the keeping of cetaceans in captivity.