In a statement yesterday, it refuted claims of dolphin abuse made against it by the local animal-rights group Animal Concerns Research and Education Society, or Acres.

Haw Par's statement came on the heels of a petition submitted to it last week by Acres, which asked for the dolphins to be released into the wild. The petition, which had nearly 8,400 signatures, said that captivity was harmful to the dolphins.

In response, Haw Par said it was 'deeply concerned for dolphin welfare', and added that the dolphins get nutritious food, have regular health checks and are fed their full quota, whether they performed or not.

It cited the birth of a dolphin calf last year as evidence that the mammals live in a stress-free environment that was conducive to normal social and reproductive behaviour.

It added that the dolphins also serve an educational purpose. People who go to see them can learn more about the mammals and the conservation issues surrounding them, it said.

The statement was co-signed by Mr Bruce Mackay, the curator of Underwater World, which runs the lagoon and takes care of the dolphins.

Acres was formed in 2001, and now has more than 100 members. Its president and founder is Mr Louis Ng, 25, a biology graduate.