The criminal investigation regarding the photography with sea lions at Nemo Hotel Resort & SPA has been closed “due to the absence of elements of an offense.” UAnimals’ Lawyers received this information in a letter from the Odessa Regional Police Department,
dated November 16, 2023.
The police initiated this investigation based on videos which demonstrated bloggers taking photos with sea lions in a hotel room at Nemo Hotel Resort & SPA. The video was uploaded to the internet in April. This hotel operates alongside an affiliated dolphinarium, raising a suspicion that animals are brought into hotel rooms for photoshoots.
This action violates part 12 of Article 25 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of Animals from Cruelty,” which prohibits providing photo services with wild animals outside of zoos, circuses, and dolphinariums. However, the police did not find any violations of the law in the actions of the bloggers or the hotel’s and dolphinarium’s management.
The inter-faction association of deputies “Humane Country” also demanded that the State Ecological Inspectorate conduct an inspection of the legality and conditions of keeping animals in the Nemo hotel and dolphinarium. However, it is not known for certain whether this inspection took place and what its results were. The UAnimals team is preparing a renewed appeal to the State Ecological Inspectorate to learn the details of the inspection or to advocate for its conduct.
Protecting the vulnerable is the duty of the strong. Let’s stand up for the protection of animals from cruelty and exploitation!
