Hello my name is Leonelle Jones (Leo) a random citizen of America tired of animals and aquatic life being abused by a law that was supposed to protect them. I was sitting in my cubicle one day scrolling through the beloved TikTok app when two videos of a dolphin and an orca came about; both of them filled me with anger. I put myself in their shoes and felt disgusted that any human could let an innocent animal suffer only for the profit and publics satisfaction. I came up with a plan to challenge and/or revise the Animal Welfare Act of 2006, this act “protects” marine life and other animals in captivity except it does nothing but protect animal cruelty. This Act established in 2006 states that the owners and keepers must make sure the animals under their care have a suitable environment, diet and to EXHIBIT NORMAL BEHAVIOR PATTERNS. I’m sure we’re all aware that most marine mammals in captivity have shown signs of psychological stress, which makes them exhibit behaviors that would be considered signs of depression or loneliness. A very recent example of this cruelty starts with, Kshamenk, a 35 year old orca in captivity since 1992, way before this act was established, this makes me wonder if this sea creature, along with many others, were captured illegally and definitely not in a humane manner. Kshamenk hasn’t seen another orca since his tank mate, Belen, died in 2000. Video footage from above the very small as well as filthy tank taken on September 24th 2023 at Mundo Marino aquarium in Argentina shows a sad tired orca not swimming or enjoying his tank or life whatsoever, just completely still. This is nothing short of a prison sentence for innocent animals, not to mention blatant disobedience, disregarding the Animal Welfare Act of 2006. Another recent incident at the Miami Seaquarium on September 20th 2023, shows a dolphin, Li’i, in captivity since 1988 for 35 years. The video shows Li’i swimming in circles repeatedly and staring blankly at the dirty tank wall, again signs of depression that should not be considered “exhibiting normal behaviors.” Li’i is no longer on public display AS HIS TANK CONDITIONS DANGEROUSLY DETERIORATE, therefore violating the act once again. While the tank is under a repair or demolish order, Li’i has to suffer and wait, continue to live in conditions that he naturally should not have to live in. Imagine being held captive against your will purely for public amusement only to be left lonely, away from the only other habitat you’ve ever known just because the money is no longer there.

How many more marine animals need to die and suffer before someone tries to be their human advocate? Most importantly most of these regulated animals were captured before the Act was established in 2006, does that not make anyone think of how many animals were caught illegally and definitely not humanely? What gives humans the right to rule over and abuse these animals solely for the public eye. 

Please help me spread the word and sign this petition to challenge and/or revise the Animal Welfare Act of 2006 to stop putting animal cruelty on display!