Petition · past parliament

Ban the captivity of dolphins, whales, and porpoises in England

Closed 1,764 signatures

What the petition asks

The last dolphinarium in the UK closed in 1993, but no laws are preventing other facilities from opening. We want to make it illegal to keep dolphins, whales, or porpoises in captivity in England.
Dolphins, whales and porpoises are intelligent, social marine mammals. We believe that they are not suited for a life in confinement, which can cause them misery, stress, and extensive suffering.

Although it may be publicly frowned upon, keeping cetaceans captive is not illegal in England, providing an unwanted window of opportunity for the re-emergence of such facilities.

We believe these places should have no future in England. Establishing a ban is the least the Government can do.

Timeline

21 Nov 2023 Petition opened for signatures
21 May 2024 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 1,764
Status Closed
Opened 21 Nov 2023
Closed 21 May 2024

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.