Since 2010, SeaWorld has been losing customers left and right. That’s because more and more people have learned about the plight of their animals, especially the dolphins and orcas, and are disgusted by their maltreatment.

This is why I was so disappointed when the regional chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) chose Seaworld as its venue for an upcoming annual meeting. According to their website this Day of Discover is “a day for people with MS and their families and caregivers to discover new information about MS, learn about resources and products available in their community and enjoy a fun day together at SeaWorld.”

But fun should be the last thing on your mind at SeaWorld. While chapter members are dining on a “gourmet breakfast,” they should keep in mind that, just a few yards away, amazing beasts like Malia and Makai are holed up in small tanks and forced to perform tricks to “entertain” the crowds. The whole idea is enough to  make anyone who cares about animal rights lose their appetite.

Please join me in asking the Mid-Florida Chapter of the NMSS to relocate its “Day of Discovery” event to a place that doesn’t support animal cruelty. Sign my petition.   

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society stands up for a group of people whose struggle is often ignored. Let’s remember another group that is voiceless, and therefore, often disregarded and mistreated --the animals who have been yanked from the wild and held in captivity for their entire lives.  That’s why this is so important to me.

Let’s ask my chapter of the NMSS to do the right thing and cancel their event at SeaWorld and to promise to never again plan an event at a venue that doesn’t treat animals with respect. Sign my petition.