Historic Case Asked Court to Apply Amendment to Wild-Caught Orcas Enslaved for Human Entertainment
For Immediate Release:
February 28, 2012
Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382
Washington -- In the wake of PETA's historic lawsuit asking a federal court to declare that five wild-caught orcas forced to perform at SeaWorld are being held as slaves in violation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, Jeff Kerr, general counsel to PETA, who led the legal team that brought the suit, will speak about the case—which was heard earlier this month—at Georgetown University Law Center on Wednesday. The event is open to the public.
When: Wednesday, February 29, 4–5:30 p.m.
Where: Hotung Building, Rm. 2000, Georgetown University Law Center, 600 New Jersey Ave. N.W. (at First Street N.W.), Washington
"The definition of slavery does not depend on the species of the slave any more than it depends on the race, gender, or ethnicity of the slave," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "PETA's case for orcas' right to be free under the 13th Amendment is a historic step toward the day when all animals will be free from enslavement for human amusement."
A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law (1987), Kerr has nearly 25 years of litigation experience and has defended animals for 16 years. In addition to his unwavering commitment to justice for animals, Kerr is a member of the board of directors of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.