Rio N. Araja Manila Standard 28 Aug 12;
A coalition of environmentalists on Monday said it will sue government officials who do nothing about the import or export of dolphins.
Environmentalists hold a rally to protest cruelty to dolphins. MANNY PALMERO
Bearing the brunt of their complaint is Ocean Adventure Park in Subic, Zambales, which allegedly had the mammals shipped in from the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
Anna Cabrera, of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, called on Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources director Asis Perez to stop issuing permits for dolphin importation and exportation.
“We will continue to file criminal and administrative charges against government officials,” Cabrera told reporters at a news conference in Annabel’s Restaurant in Quezon City.
She said the coalition filed charges against BAI director Angel Mateo for the last dolphin show at the Araneta Coliseum.
Cabrera also asked the Bureau of Animal Industry to deny granting organizers of dolphin shows the permits to operate.
Signing up in the cause for dolphins were A.G. Sano of the Dolphins Love Freedom Network, Trixie Concepcion of the Earth Island Institute Phils., campaign manager Rochelle Regodon of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals-Asia, Jenica Dizon of Save the Philippines Seas, external affairs officer Luis Buenaflor of the Animal Kingdom Foundation Phils along with Kabataan party-list Rep. Raymond Palatino.
Cabrera said officials in government have taken the animal welfare as a non-issue.
“They look at us not as a serious group just because animals and trees do not vote,” she fumed. “Politicians will feel our impact in next year’s elections.”
Roy Cayaban, PAWS lawyer, said the Philippines is a signatory to an international treaty on the protection of wildlife, including dolphins.
“Import and export of dolphins is not allowed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora,” he said.
“Republic Act 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act, from the title itself mandates every citizen to look after the welfare of the animals. We don’t give animals the right, but we as people must address their welfare. We are the voice of the voiceless animals.”
