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Senator · Senate District 40
History
- Committed to rules
- Amended on third reading 6613a
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.343
- Referred to environmental conservation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Prohibits the possession and harboring of killer whales in aquariums and sea parks
In Assembly Committee · Environmental Conservation · Sponsor Amy Paulin
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S6613A
Title of bill
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to prohibiting the possession and harboring of killer whales in aquariums and sea parks
Purpose
This legislation will prohibit the possession and harboring of killer whales in aquariums and sea parks.
Summary of provisions
Section One - amends the conservation law by adding a new section 11-0516 stating that the possession and harboring of killer whales is prohibited. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title to the contrary, no person shall harbor or possess for any purpose any killer whale (Orcinus orca) in any sea park or aquarium.
Section Two - amends the environmental conservation law by adding subdivision 13 stating that violating the above section will be punishable by a fine of not more than two thousand five hundred dollars; provided, that is such violation continues after the expiration of sixty days from the date of such violation is charged, the violation shall be punishable by a fine of five thousand dollars for each day such violation persists after the sixtieth day.
Section Three this act shall take effect immediately.
Justification
The website of the popular documentary film entitled "Blackfish" tells the story of Tilikum, a performing killer whale that killed several people while in captivity. The documentary exposes the cruel treatment of killer whales by the multi-billion dollar sea park industry.
According to the film's creators, Tilikum, like other killer whales, was kept in a small enclosed space for 30 years. Many experts believe that the lack of space and freedom, as well as being kept in pitch black small tanks for long periods of time, can cause killer whales to become aggressive and violent.
This legislation is not only about protecting the killer whales, but the employees and spectators of these sea parks as well. New York has been one of the most protective states of our animals, and this bill will ensure that killer whales are never mistreated and abused in the sea park industry at any time in the State of New York.
Legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.