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Dolphin breeding is to be banned in the Netherlands within two years, and imports of the animals will be restricted.
Junior agriculture minister Silvio Erkens told parliament in a letter on Wednesday that keeping dolphins in captivity prevents them from expressing their natural behaviour and can cause health problems.
“Dolphins are intelligent animals that need to be constantly challenged and have a natural need to be able to dive deep and swim long distances,” said Erkens. “That cannot be provided in captivity. Life in chlorinated pools can also cause health problems.”
An immediate ban on dolphin captivity is not wanted because it would mean killing 22 bottlenose dolphins at the country’s Dolfinarium in Harderwijk, Gelderland.
But eventually, by preventing breeding and limiting importation, captivity for entertainment or education will be phased out entirely. The Dolfinarium criticised the cabinet, saying breeding is an essential aspect of welfare and will damage the dolphins’ health.
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