Live Sushi

Contrary to popular belief, Sushi (すし, 寿司, 鮨) is not just raw fish. Instead most of the time the fish has been prepared in some fashion, either pickled, blanched or soaked in Sake and frozen. It can also contain vegetables or tropical fruits. It is however, always accompanied with rice.

Recently a particularly vile practice came to my attention from a heartbroken member of the public.

The practice is called Live Sushi (ikizukuri), and it involves eating an animal with the absolute prerequisite that it must be LIVING when the diner sits down at the table...

Surely few things can be more barbaric than tearing the intestines from an animal whist its heart is still beating, its eyes moving and blood coursing through its body. Whatever dignity it had in life is snatched away by such inhuman action from one living creature to another.

If an animal must be eaten, a quick, painless death should be afforded.

Below is my response:

Thank you very much for your recent email, I too share your disgust at the vile, painful and wholly sickening practice of Live Sushi.

IFAW is opposed to the inherently cruel and unnecessary killing of these animals under the banner of a ‘food delicacy’.

As heart breaking as it is, IFAW is unfortunately unable to respond to all animal cruelty situations. Our efforts in Japan are focused on commercial and scientific whaling and we are engaged in high-level lobbying to help persuade Japanese decision-makers to protect their marine life instead of commercially exploiting them.

We also send 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.

Despite us at IFAW not being directly involved in ending this awful form of 'food', I have found two petitions that can be signed to help end the cruel practice of 'Live Sushi'.

I urge you to sign it and to pass it on to as many people as you can...

http://forcechange.com/66533/end-the-cruel-practice-of-live-sushi/

https://www.change.org/p/ambassador-please-stop-the-practice-of-live-sushi-in-japan

I hope this has gone some way in answering your query and thank you very much for your concern and for taking the time to write to us.

With best wishes

Colin

Information Officer

Report on terrible treatment of Chinese circus monkeys by trainer in Daily Mail

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2857216/Cowering-fear-Heartbreaking-pictures-terrified-circus-monkey-lay-bare-China-s-problem-animal-cruelty.html#ixzz3OViOQiTR

Personal reply to distressed IFAW supporter who wrote in after reading the Daily Mail article:

Thank you for your letter regarding the poor performing monkeys in China. I too share your utter disgust and shock at their treatment.

In regards to your question about what IFAW can do; we believe a social change in attitude by the Chinese people towards animals is necessary to end such cruelty and that it is best generated through promotion of good animal welfare, education, and legislation from within the communities where the problems exist.

It is in that capacity that IFAW are working with the Chinese government to draft up and introduce their first ever animal welfare legislation, which is the only way we can ensure the humane treatment of animals for the long term.

Through our office in Beijing and with the amazing response of our supporters, we are continuing to lobby and work with the government to ensure that the draft law stipulates welfare requirements for animals; outlines guidelines for disease prevention and medical care; and covers wildlife, farm animals, companion animals, lab animals and work animals.

We also actively support the many Chinese citizens who are trying to address issues surrounding animal welfare. We have a strong presence in the country and have helped establish schemes and projects aimed at educating the public about welfare, and ultimately changing attitudes towards both companion animals, wild animals and farm animals.

I hope this is helpful in understanding what we are doing in China, to find out more info on our great work go to our website at: http://www.ifaw.org/united-kingdom

Kind regards

Colin

Information officer