New legislation submitted to the California legislature will ban using captive Orcas for performance or entertainment purposes. But will it do any good?

The law was introduced by Assembly member Richard Bloom, a democrat from Santa Monica. The bill will forbid the practice of holding Orcas, and Orcas alone, in captivity for entertainment purposes. It will also stop captive Orcas from breeding.

This legislation was no doubt created as a response to the popular documentary, “Blackfish”, a film that reveals the true nature of how SeaWorld keeps and trains their Orca’s. The film focuses on one whale in particular who was involved in the deaths of three people, one of which was his trainer. The film blames SeaWorld for keeping the Orcas in such a harsh environment.

The main problem with this law is that it only applies to Orcas, which is due to the popularity of the film, when it should apply to all animals who are used for entertainment purposes.

Dolphins are used in very similar attractions to those of the Orca. They encounter the same harsh conditions as demonstrated in “Blackfish” in order to get them to perform, however they would not be protected under this law. Former SeaWorld trainers have spoken out against Sea World’s practices, such as food deprivation, to teach both Dolphins and Orcas new tricks.

But it isn’t just animals of the sea that are subjects of this kind of “entertainment.” Circus animals are subjected to extremely unethical abuse including trainers using whips, muzzles, tasers, and other inhumane tools. Most circus animals are transported in box cars by train, where they can hardly move. They will not be protected by the law, despite the fact they have suffered extreme abuse.

Opponents of this bill think that banning the Orca show will hurt SeaWorld financially, which is a big part of the San Diego economy both in revenue and jobs. However, the impact this law has will be minimal. The park already has many attractions which reel in roughly 4.4 million people, more than the San Diego Zoo, every year. Banning the Orca show will cause a dent, but SeaWorld can easily create a more humane and educational experience like many ocean institutes and sanctuaries already do.

This bill has its heart in the right place, but I believe that it does not go far enough to protect all animals. Currently, there are many animals who are pushed to the brink just for our amusement.  We should no longer stand by as animals are paraded in front of audiences and stand up for a more humane treatment of animals, by putting forth laws that will protect all animals from abuse.