From: lmarino59
 Subject: [EthologicalEthics] New warning about Dolphin-Assisted Therapy (DAT)
Date: November 5, 2007

Dear Colleagues,

Dolphin-Assisted Therapy (DAT) is a growing industry claiming that swimming with dolphins has a therapeutic effect on a variety of disorders, e.g., autism, cerebral palsy, depression, cancer, AIDS, etc.
Scott Lilienfeld and I have recently published a critique of DAT therapy in Anthrozoos.
In our paper we conclude that there is no scientific validity to any of the claims made by current DAT programs.
Moreover, we have joined with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) in a new campaign to educate the public and colleagues about the dangers of DAT to people and dolphins as well as the lack of scientific evidence for its effectiveness.

Our campaign packet consists of several materials, including our paper, that I would be happy to send anyone who is interested. Please email me at lmarino@emory.edu to request them or for any information on DAT.

Thank you.

Lori Marino, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer
Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
Emory University

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