Judge tosses out lawsuit seeking freedom for orcas at SeaWorld
A federal judge in San Diego on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals that had sought an order forcing SeaWorld to free five orcas.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller ruled that a lawsuit on behalf of the orcas could not be brought under the anti-slavery 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution because the amendment pertains to human beings, not animals.
Even in defeat, PETA hailed its lawsuit as a victory, "one more step taken toward the inevitable day when all animals will be free from enslavement for human amusement."
SeaWorld had asked the judge to dismiss the lawsuit, branding it a publicity stunt.
In a statement praising Miller's decision, SeaWorld said, "We cannot hope that this is PETA’s last publicity stunt but we can now refocus our energy in more positive and constructive ways: delivering high quality educational experiences to our guests and providing the highest possible standard of care to our animals."
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-- Tony Perry in San Diego
Photo: Orca show at SeaWorld San Diego.
Credit: SeaWorld San Diego
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