Non-profit animal-rights group Acres has requested that the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) investigate possible animal cruelty by Resorts World Sentosa.

The incident highlighted was a 12-minute fireworks display held near the enclosures of the wild-caught dolphins at Resorts World Sentosa. The fireworks were set off on Dec 7 and 8 to mark the grand opening night of the integrated resort.

Said Acres chief executive Mr Louis Ng: "The fireworks displays may have compromised the dolphins' welfare, as the close proximity and loud noises may have disorientated and distressed them."

He added that scientific research has shown that noise is a stress factor for cetaceans, which are marine mammals including whales, dolphins and porpoises.