India Declares Dolphins "Non Human Persons"

[Billy]

I thought this good news deserved it's own thread.

I pray this will spread.

Amazing, overlooked news from several months ago out of India.

India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests has decided to forbid the keeping of captive dolphins for public entertainment anywhere in the country.
In a policy statement released Friday, the ministry advised state governments to reject any proposal to establish a dolphinarium “by any person / persons, organizations, government agencies, private or public enterprises that involves import, capture of cetacean species to establish for commercial entertainment, private or public exhibition and interaction purposes whatsoever.”

Why?
“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.

I was surprised to read about this the other night, since it happened back in May and somehow escaped worldwide attention and the 24 hour media hoopla. The effort to re-categorize Cetaceans (dolphins, whales, porpoises) as non-human persons has been gathering steam since a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2011 where a group of philosophers, conservationists, and animal behaviorists attempted to gather wide support for a Declaration of Rights for Cetaceans from the scientific community.
The Declaration:

1. Every individual cetacean has the right to life.
2. No cetacean should be held in captivity or servitude; be subject to cruel treatment; or be removed from their natural environment.
3. All cetaceans have the right to freedom of movement and residence within their natural environment.
4. No cetacean is the property of any State, corporation, human group or individual.
5. Cetaceans have the right to the protection of their natural environment.
6. Cetaceans have the right not to be subject to the disruption of their cultures.
7. The rights, freedoms and norms set forth in this Declaration should be protected under international and domestic law.

more here: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/0...n-shows-BANNED

And here. Causes.com

https://www.causes.com/causes/331088/updates/791868

peace

[spiritguide]

Well a manifesto for non-human species is a great step forward. What about humans? All of the outlined don'ts are being violated on a daily basis if you applied them to humans. When the heart sings for love it should sing to the ALL. IMHO

Peace!

[Christine]

Tears sprung into my eyes and my heart sung just reading the thread title... Yes! HEART SONG, once we know that when we sing for one we sing for all then Freedom will return to our earth.

http://projectavalon.net/dolphins_heart.jpg

In deep gratitude to the people of India for taking this valiant step.

[Ernie Nemeth]

Funny, most people are far nicer to their pets than other people.

This, to me, highlights that very fact. And in India, no less, with its caste system and their complete immunity to the plight of their neighbors, using the silly excuse that the poor and destitute have karma they must not interfere with. But dolphins are granted rights that most of their own population do not enjoy. It is nice to hear of the love they have for fish, but it is the height of hypocrisy.

I guess in this topsy turvy world, any step in the right direction is welcome. Kind of makes me wish I was a cetacean...

[sigma6]

I think I like what they are doing. These 'rules' are a reflection of clear principles, I think we have to go back to the drawing board in many areas, and rediscover what exactly are the fundamental principles.

[Billy]

Funny, most people are far nicer to their pets than other people.

This, to me, highlights that very fact. And in India, no less, with its caste system and their complete immunity to the plight of their neighbors, using the silly excuse that the poor and destitute have karma they must not interfere with. But dolphins are granted rights that most of their own population do not enjoy. It is nice to hear of the love they have for fish, but it is the height of hypocrisy.

I guess in this topsy turvy world, any step in the right direction is welcome. Kind of makes me wish I was a cetacean...


Well a manifesto for non-human species is a great step forward. What about humans? All of the outlined don'ts are being violated on a daily basis if you applied them to humans. When the heart sings for love it should sing to the ALL. IMHO

Peace!

Do you not think that Humans are big enough and ugly enough to stand up and march for their own rights. I have witnessed this in India many times. Is it not the Humans that murder the dolphins in a genocidal manner. Humans get off your knees right enough.

If humans knew even a little of what the dolphins give to humanity and earth they would for ever thank them.

This news is a good beginning.

Peace

[Sidney]

Funny, most people are far nicer to their pets than other people.

This, to me, highlights that very fact. And in India, no less, with its caste system and their complete immunity to the plight of their neighbors, using the silly excuse that the poor and destitute have karma they must not interfere with. But dolphins are granted rights that most of their own population do not enjoy. It is nice to hear of the love they have for fish, but it is the height of hypocrisy.

I guess in this topsy turvy world, any step in the right direction is welcome. Kind of makes me wish I was a cetacean...

Just a FYI- Dolphins aren't fish, they are mammals. :)

[Tesla_WTC_Solution]

Dolphins are going through hell right now thanks to certain meddling humans.
For example, seismic tests off the coast of California, supposedly to make sure the power plants are secure --
the underwater blasts are so powerful that they destroy the sinuses of any nearby whales or dolphins.

When a dolphin is too close to the source of certain types of undersea quakes and/or explosions, his or her sinuses are impacted to such a degree that they swell up inside the creature's head, leaving only 10% of the original usable volume behind. This completely incapacitates the creature in terms of navigation and communication. A very painful form of blindness and deafness, in fact.

As a mother of a child who suffers sensory issues, I can see why educated people would pity these magnificent, peaceful creatures, and give them at least enough rights to avoid torture and death.

Whales and dolphins are among the rare species of Earth who possess Spindle Cell Neurons. These are the brain cells thought to be responsible for many higher brain functions. The lower animals simply do not have them. We have them, elephants have them, great apes have them, and dolphins/whales have them.

They ARE persons, whether they have a human face or not.
I thought intelligence was measured by the unseen anyway.

for the skeptics:


Because spindle neurons are found only in species where physiological recordings are either impossible (e.g. humans) or impractical (e.g. whales), all statements about their function remain purely speculative. Spindle neurons are relatively large cells that may allow rapid communication across the relatively large brains of great apes, elephants, and cetaceans. While rare in comparison to other neurons, spindle neurons are abundant, and large, in humans. However, the concentration of spindle cells has been measured to be three times higher in Cetaceans in comparison to humans.[3][7] They have only been found thus far in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), fronto-insular cortex (FI), and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

Dolphins have 3x the number of these special cells compared to humans.
This could translate into more than a simple "3x" ability in certain areas.
Did you know that some scientists believe that dolphins can send images to each other? That it is even possible for a dolphin to imagine an image and send that?

What could be more advanced? I am certainly nowhere near this level of processing. I don't think I am "superior" to these animals.

[Agape]

ojydNb3Lrrs

..lets hope that they ( referring to humans ) start respecting all other species one by one .. or collectively, all together, before it's too late .

The hour is rolling past midnight here ..

but even one or two lives you can save, will indeed save the Galaxy


Ernie ...


it takes just one good paper and two important signatures this time . Instead spending millions of snob money for luxurious dolphinariums and expensive transfer of dolphins that is even more dangerous for them ,
and all that money can be truly used better in India .

1..2..3

:alien: :hug:

[eric1]

Dolphins are supposedly the reincarnated souls of entities from Sirius. And I AM serious. ; )

[Lifebringer]

Good. Now the Mermaid and Mermen have a law protecting them.

[Billy]

Hi. I cannot hold in the excitement of the release of this declaration. To me this news is very significant for the times we now live through. For Science to declare that we live among'st other sentient beings who are intelligent, emotional, cultural beings with a consciousness. Is a disclosure of the up most importance for ALL on planet earth.

Before i go any further i wanted to confirm that this is a true statement. Some links to follow through for conformation.

https://www.causes.com/causes/331088/updates/791868

India Decides that Dolphins Deserve Rights - Thanks to YOU!

On May 17, thanks to your support, a major victory for cetaceans took place in India. The Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) decided to prohibit dolphin captivity throughout the nation, citing the 'unusually high intelligence' of dolphins as a primary reason guiding this progressive decision.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/elist/eListRead/what_indias_decision_to_ban_dolphin_captivity_means/

What India’s Decision to Ban Dolphin Captivity Means

The Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests’ decision to ban dolphin captivity within India has been making waves around the world. The unprecedented decision is particularly significant because it reflects an increasing global understanding that dolphins deserve better protections based on who – rather than what – they are.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://dolphinproject.org/blog/post/india-bans-captive-dolphin-entertainment

By Laura Bridgeman
Program Associate
Earth Island Institute

The Indian Ministry of Forests and Environment has released an official statement indicating that dolphin captivity will not be welcome anywhere in the nation.

The anticipated announcement comes on the heels of other recent Indian governmental decisions stating opposition of dolphin captivity. The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations, Humane Society International / India, Whale and Dolphin Conservation and other organizations have been working to ensure that this decision came to pass, in light of a series of captive facility proposals that were recently announced. The Ministry’s statement that they “have decided not to allow establishment of dolphinarium in the country” will help to discourage any such development from taking place, on the grounds that keeping dolphins captive has been proven as being cruel and morally reprehensible.

The Ministry notes increasing worldwide efforts to bestow basic rights onto dolphins, such as the rights to life, liberty and bodily integrity. “Various scientists… have suggested that the unusually high intelligence… means that dolphins should be seen as “nonhuman persons” and as such should have their own specific rights.

THE DOCUMENT OF DECLARATION

This decision sets an important precedent that other nations are now challenged to follow.




Official Statement:

F. No. 20-1/2010-CZA(M) DATE: 17.05.2013
Circular

Sub:- Policy on establishment of dolphinarium – Regarding.

Time and again, it has been brought to the notice of this Ministry that the State Governments through various departments, organizations, tourism development corporations in particular, have been planning to develop dolphinarium in the State with main aim to attract tourism for commercial purpose with the intention of organizing dolphin show etc.

Whereas under Section 2(39) of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 the definition of ‘zoo’ is given as an establishment, whether stationary or mobile, where captive animals are kept for exhibition to the public [and includes a circus and rescue centres but does not include an establishment of a licensed dealer in captive animals.]” and as such, the dolphinarium will fall under the definition of ‘zoo’,

Whereas as per 38H (1) of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, no zoo shall be operated without being recognized by Central Zoo Authority and as per Section 38H (1A) a zoo shall not be established without obtaining prior approval of the Central Zoo Authority. Moreover, such zoo requires approval of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in terms of the Order dated 20.11.2000 passed in W. P. No. 47/1998-Navin M. Raheja V/s Union of India and Ors.

Whereas as per Section 38H (4) of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, no recognition to a zoo shall be granted unless the Central Zoo Authority is satisfied that it is for the interest of protection and conservation of wildlife,

Whereas the Gangetic dolphin and Snubfin dolphin are listed in Schedule-I and all Cetacean species are listed in Schedule II part I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972,

Whereas Government of India has declared Gangetic Dolphin as its national aquatic animal with a view to protect these endangered species,

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 dolphin 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,

Whereas , cetaceans in general do not survive well in captivity. Confinement in captivity can seriously compromise the welfare and survival of all types of cetaceans by altering their behaviour and causing extreme distress.

Therefore, in view of the foregoing, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India have decided not to allow establishment of dolpinarium in the country. The State Governments are advised to reject any such proposal for dolphinarium to any person/ persons, organizations, Government agencies, private or public enterprises that involves import, capture of cetacean species to establish for commercial entertainment, private or public exhibition and interaction purposes whatsoever.

Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
(B. S. Bonal)
Member Secretary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I found these also while i was down the rabbit hole.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/animal-emotions/201306/universal-declaration-animal-sentience-no-pretending

A Universal Declaration on Animal Sentience
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/animal-emotions/201208/scientists-finally-conclude-nonhuman-animals-are-conscious-beings

Scientists Finally Conclude Nonhuman Animals Are Conscious Beings
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



I am not sure whether i dare go further into as to who i believe Dolphins are. What information they carry/encoded within them that would benefit humanity and our earth. As this is part of my personal belief system. And i have as yet no scientific evidence to prove what i believe. When science has the ability to communicate with dolphins (Which one day they shall) That will be a great day indeed.

As Bill says, A millimeter is fantastic. We have moved forward.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23410137

Dolphins 'call each other by name'
By Rebecca Morelle
Science reporter, BBC World Service

The research sheds new light on the intelligence of dolphins.

Scientists have found further evidence that dolphins call each other by "name".

Research has revealed that the marine mammals use a unique whistle to identify each other.

A team from the University of St Andrews in Scotland found that when the animals hear their own call played back to them, they respond.

The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The team believes the dolphins are acting like humans: when they hear their name, they answer.

Peace.

[Agape]

Thought this could be of interest ... I will repost the video later in UFO-ET section .

How can SETI learn from dolphin communication? - Denise Herzing ( SETI talks )

IDC0cBxOU7k

Streamed live on Apr 16, 2013
SETI Talks archive: http://seti.org/talks

The search for signals out of noise is a problem not only with radio signals from the sky but in the study of animal communication on Earth. Like SETI radio signal searches, dolphin sound analysis includes the detection, recognition, analysis, and interpretation of signals. Dolphins use three main types of acoustic signals and many of these sounds have been a challenge to measure and categorize due to their graded and overlapping nature. The goal of this talk is to provide perspective from dolphin communication studies and lessons learned about signal detection and recognition



The interesting parts of the lecture have to do with

*dolphin intelligence
*signal detection and decoding
*signal to noise issues
*categorising signals
* interpretation of signals ( and how you even begin to do that with ANOTHER SPECIES )



:wub:

[conk]

Now, if we can get the Japanese to follow this logic........

[Billy]

A friend at work shared this with me today. I thought i would share it here. A cat and dolphins playing. :meeting:


rynvewVe21Y


peace