Orca protection law proposed by Calif. legislator
SANTA MONICA -- A local assemblyman Friday announced legislation calling for comprehensive improvements to orca protection laws in the state, CBS Los Angeles reports.
The Orca Welfare and Safety Act would make it illegal to "hold in captivity, or use, a wild-caught or captive-bred orca for performance or entertainment purposes," according to PETA.
According to U-T San Diego, Bloom was driven by animal abuse allegations made in the controversial documentary "Blackfish." The film explores the 2010 death of trainer Dawn Brancheau, who was drowned by an orca, at SeaWorld Orlando. Following the incident, trainers were banned from being in the water with the whales.
SeaWorld officials have denied the allegations of animal abuse and their lack of protection for trainers who work with orcas.
Richard Bloom chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Transportation. He represents California's 50th Assembly District, which comprises the communities of Agoura Hills, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Hollywood, Malibu, Pacifica Palisades, Santa Monica, Topanga, West Hollywood, and West Los Angeles.