top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Court overturns dolphin and whale breeding ban

France's highest administrative court rules in favour of marine park's claim that ban was imposed after 'irregular consultation process'

France’s highest administrative court has overturned a ban on breeding killer whales and dolphins in captivity.

The Conseil d'Etat annulled a ministerial decree signed shortly before the presidential election in May 2017 by then-ecology minister Ségolène Royal, due to 'irregularities' in the consultation process.

The court agreed with lawyers for popular tourist attraction Marineland Antibes, which had appealed against the decree, which claimed the decree was adopted 'following an irregular procedure [that] disproportionately infringed the principles of freedom of trade and industry'.

The rules - welcomed at the time by animal rights groups - banned the captivity of all whales, dolphins and porpoises, except for orcas and bottlenose dolphins already held in authorised aquariums.

Marineland Antibes, which describes itself as Europe's largest marine animal park, said in a statement when it launched its appeal that the decree was 'incoherent', and contained 'contradictions and inconsistencies' that would make it impossible to implement. 

It said it believes that that it would lead, 'to an alteration of the natural behaviour of animals' and diminished protection for marine life. 

The organisation said that the minister 'introduced last-minute changes in the order that upsets the economy of the park'. It claimed the decree 'distorts work and advances resulting from more than two years of concerted work by government organisations, animal and environmental protection groups and marine professionals'.

 

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France