“Whereas cetaceans in general are highly intelligent and sensitive, and various scientists who have researched dolphin behavior have suggested that the unusually high intelligence; as compared to other animals means that dolphins should be seen as ‘non-human persons’ and as such should have their own specific rights and is morally unacceptable to keep them captive for entertainment purpose,” the ministry said.
It was declared that every cetacean has the right to life, the right to freedom of movement in their natural environment, and the right to the protection of that natural environment. The declaration also states that no cetacean should be held in captivity or servitude, be subject to cruel treatment, or be removed from their natural environment. They are also not the property of any State, corporation, human group or individual.
Dolphins exhibit self-awareness, use tools and, as recently discovered, may even use individual names when communicating with each other!
The intelligence of dolphins is not breaking news – we have known about it for a very long time. It is therefore quite reasonable to view them as non-human persons.
