US bill would end SeaWorld orca shows

If a bill before the California Assembly is passed, SeaWorld San Diego would have to end its killer whale shows.

Proposed laws in the US mean SeaWorld San Diego would have to end its killer whale shows. (AAP)

SeaWorld San Diego would have to end its killer whale shows and remove 10 orcas from their tanks under a bill inspired by a documentary blasting the marine park's animal welfare practices.

The California Assembly is holding its first hearing on the bill on Tuesday morning, with the bill's backers saying killer whales are too large and intelligent for captivity.

SeaWorld says the animals are well treated and help conservation through research.

The 2013 film "Blackfish" blames attacks and deaths of SeaWorld trainers on the mistreatment of the animals, increasing their aggression.

SeaWorld calls the film anti-captivity propaganda.

The bill by Democratic Assemblyman Richard Bloom also bans the import and export of orcas. Under his measure, SeaWorld could keep the animals it has in a larger sea pen until they die.