People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said Monday it will file a new complaint against SeaWorld San Diego‘s animal practices with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The latest complaint, at least the third this year, alleges that a veterinarian found scars and lesions on whales and dolphins at the park.
Earlier PETA asked the department to investigate whether orca whales received sunburns while in SeaWorld’s care. PETA also asked that the interactions of park guests and animals be examined after a girl was allegedly bitten by a dolphin at SeaWorld San Antonio.
SeaWorld, which is marking its 50th anniversary in San Diego, has stepped up its response to attacks by PETA and other groups, saying it’s “not backing down” and making plans to expand its orca whale facilities.
“I’m very proud of SeaWorld, and we’re not backing down,” SeaWorld San Diego President John Reilly told local business and political leaders earlier this month. “We have no intention of allowing anyone to close all zoos and aquariums.”
Though PETA has blasted SeaWorld parks for years for using captive animals to entertain humans, the organization has ramped up its efforts against the marine theme park since the release of the documentary “Blackfish,” which SeaWorld says is riddled with inaccuracies.
In addition to filing official complaints, PETA has launched a media campaign against SeaWorld, placing large billboards near Lindbergh Field.
