A federal bankruptcy judge is raising important concerns regarding animal safety amid the ongoing plans to divest the Dolphin Company’s network of marine tourist attractions.
Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein emphasized the need for clarity on how dolphins and other animals would be safely managed during sales processes.
“The only atypical part of this sales motion is that we’re dealing with animals,” Silverstein remarked, highlighting the unique aspect of the case.
She expressed her intention to inquire about the care and oversight of the animals involved in any sale or disposition, insisting on ensuring that regulatory agencies are properly notified.
In response, Jared Kochenas, representing the new team for the Dolphin Company, indicated that the sales plan would be revised to include specific animal safety measures and to outline procedures for notifying regulatory bodies.
As the proceedings progress, the judge has granted the new ownership additional time to organize an auction for approximately 30 parks located worldwide, but made a notable exception for the Miami Seaquarium.
Miami-Dade County is pursuing an eviction case in Florida courts, arguing that there is no valid lease remaining for the County-owned property on Virginia Key, where the famous television show ‘Flipper’ was filmed in the 1960s.
Judge Silverstein has signaled her willingness to hear arguments next month regarding this historic site.
The selected managing company, Riveron, which has been appointed by the new owners, has not publicly clarified its plans for the Seaquarium despite discussions with County representatives.
A recent filing from Miami-Dade County indicated that the current owners are “holding the park captive” within the lengthy bankruptcy proceedings.
County officials pointed out that the Seaquarium is currently operating at a loss and has substantial building safety issues to address, which complicates any potential for future profitability due to land use restrictions on the 38-acre site alongside Biscayne Bay.
Legal experts suggest that the challenges confronting the bankruptcy court are convoluted, especially in a scenario that typically revolves around financial statements and creditor negotiations.
Emily Lively, a lawyer with the PETA Foundation, remarked on the absence of an advocate focused on animal welfare throughout this legal process.
Lively stated, “These are living, breathing, highly intelligent animals and they deserve to be granted more than a quick fix to the Dolphin Company’s liquidity problems.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture holds primary responsibility for ensuring the welfare of animals exhibited to the public, but Lively raised concerns about the agency’s insufficient staffing and the difficulties in securing safe, new homes for marine animals like dolphins, sea lions, and seals resulting from the sales.
The ongoing sales process aims to determine which properties can be sold as active businesses and which might be more viable as standard real estate transactions, as indicated by the new owners in their court documents.
In a related matter, Judge Silverstein intends to issue a subsequent order regarding Eduardo Albor, the former CEO challenging his removal in courts in Mexico.
Despite currently imposed daily fines of $10,000 on Albor, the new owners have sought to recover legal fees incurred from the dispute.
Notably, neither Albor nor his legal representatives attended the hearing held on Wednesday.
image source from：kbindependent
