DOLPHINS are much in fashion, the stars in a consumer society that demands instant experiences and happiness.

Many people claim to love them but are unaware of the abuse that takes place so they can look at or swim with these beautiful creatures.

Because dolphins look as though they are smiling, the public is deceived into believing they are happy performing banal tricks in small tanks.

Dolphin shows distort the very essence of what a dolphin should be, wild and free, one of the top predators in the ocean.

Big money is now made from the "swim with" experience.

A blatant untruth is told by the "captivity industry" that they are teaching people to care and respect dolphins.

In truth, dolphins are brutally captured taking them from their habitat and social group forever.

The quick fix of happiness for humans is a lifetime of misery for the dolphin.

The proof is the fact that in captivity dolphins die earlier from a variety of illnesses, many of which is stress induced.

There are other ways of enjoying dolphins without the abuse.

Watching dolphins in the wild is a truly magical experience. If you really love dolphins refuse to go to captive shows or swim with captive dolphins.

To raise money for the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society, take part in this year's sponsored walk at Coate Water Country Park on June 20. For details tel 0870 870 5001 or visit www.wdcs.org/walks.

Marilyn Harrison

Toothill