Solomons' live dolphin export to Dubai proceeds after court refuses attempt to stop the export

The High Court in Solomon Islands has refused attempts by the environmental organisation Earth Island Institute to file a court injunction to stop the Marine Mammal Education Centre from exporting 30 live dolphins to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

Lawyer acting for the dolphin exporter, Andrew Radclyffe says the court refused an injunctive application, and there is no order preventing the export.

He says the application appears to have been filed in court in the recent past, but the plaintiff had not served his client with notice of the application.

Mr Radclyffe says his client has the right to be represented.

Meanwhile, the 30 live dolphins will be flown out of the country by this afternoon to a marine park in Dubai, onboard two United Arab Emirates DC-10 aircraft.

The two planes touched down at Honiara International airport at Henderson field last night, and loading has commenced since.

The Pacific Director of Earth Island Institute, Lawrence Makili however said the fight to prevent further exports will continue.

Mr Makili says he has a civil suit hearing at the High Court next week.

Source: SIBC