A state legislative committee has tabled a bill that would have banned the use of performing orcas at SeaWorld San Diego.
Leaders of the California Assembly’s Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee said proponents of Assembly Bill 2140 could return in a year with a new proposed version based on more detailed research related to the treatment of killer whales.
The bill, proposed by Richard Bloom, D-Santa Monica, would have banned the use of orcas in performance shows as well as the captive breeding of the whales.
Opponents of the measure, including SeaWorld, contended that the measure was based solely on the documentary “Blackfish,” which aired last fall on CNN, alleging mistreatment of whales and raising questions regarding the 2010 death of a whale trainer at the company’s Florida park.
SeaWorld officials also said the bill was backed by the same activist groups that have previously opposed animal performance shows at SeaWorld and other parks.
The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce was among groups applauding the legislative committee’s decision to table the bill and seek further analysis.
“SeaWorld is an integral part of the San Diego community because of the research efforts they lead and the jobs that they create,” said chamber President and CEO Jerry Sanders, in a statement.
