Vet in Solomon Islands to be charged over dolphin exports

A vet and owner of a facility in the Solomon Islands where 27 dolphins were held, has been charged under the country’s Fisheries Management Act according to local reports.

The Act prohibits dolphin exports from the country, which before the legislation was enacted, had been a major source of dolphins for the captivity industry.

The dolphins were freed during a raid by the authorities in October after being illegally captured in local waters. The owner, Dr Baddeley Anita, faces a fine of US$ 64,000 if found guilty or a two year prison sentence. At the same time he has filed a lawsuit against the government for the loss of his business and claims it had not previously objected to his activities.