Dolphins: slaughter in the water

Dolphins: slaughter in the water

Response to a supporter who wrote in about Japan's dolphin hunting season in Taiji:

IFAW is opposed to the inherently cruel and senseless slaughter of dolphins, porpoises and small whales that takes place in the coastal waters of Japan each year.

Unfortunately we are unable to respond to all animal cruelty situations and our efforts in Japan are focussed on commercial and scientific whaling.  However, IFAW is engaged in high-level lobbying to help persuade Japanese decision-makers to protect their marine life instead of commercially exploiting them. 

IFAW also sends teams of experts each year to the International Whaling Commission (IWC), where we work to limit Japan’s pro-hunting influence and urge for greater protection of cetaceans.

For more information on what we’re doing personally to help dolphins and our latest campaigns click on the link: http://www.ifaw.org/united-states/taxonomy/term/25

Have you seen the movie The Cove (2009), it details all the movements and undercover footage of the awful slaughters? The main person behind it, Rick O’Barry, has helped to bring the plight of these animals to a worldwide audience. He has set up a charity that sends members there every year to document what happens. I would suggest contacting them as they have personnel there who may be able to do something covertly:

Save Japan Dolphins Campaign

Earth Island Institute

2150 Allston Way, Suite 460

Berkeley, CA

94704-1375 USA

Tel: + 01 (510) 859-9100  

They are also part of a coalition of international environmental and animal groups currently working to end the dolphin hunts with relevant actions, their website is: www.savejapandolphins.org

I would also suggest contacting Marine Connection, who campaign on the Japanese drive hunts.  Please find their contact details below:

Marine Connection

PO Box 2404

London

W2 3WG

Telephone:  07931 366352

Email: info@marineconnection.org

www.marineconnection.org

Thank you for taking the time to write to us, I share your utter despair at such a senseless waste of life, and I hope this information has been of use to you.

Colin