On October 8, The Humane Society of the United States/Humane Society International (HSUS/HSI) is joining the Animal Welfare Institute and many other concerned groups and individuals in observing a worldwide Japan Dolphin Day.
The purpose of Japan Dolphin Day is to show Japan that the world will not tolerate drive fisheries by gathering at Japanese embassies and consulate offices in cities around the world.
Drive fisheries are an ugly blot on Japan's international reputation. The nation would prefer the rest of the world ignored the fact that every year, between September and April, Japanese fishermen in coastal communities such as Taiji slaughter thousands of dolphins.
| What is a drive fishery? |
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Fishermen take out several small motorized boats to locate a pod of bottlenose dolphins, Risso's dolphins, or false killer whales. Once fishermen locate a pod, they herd the animals toward shore, using the noise of the boats' engines and the banging of pipes underwater.
The fishermen will then either drive the animals right onto the shore or trap them in a bay. In the shallow water, fishermen slaughter the dolphins by getting into the water and moving through the pod, stabbing animals to death. Animals destined for slaughter may be hauled out onto land with cranes, often still alive. The cruelty is enormous. |
Believed to compete for fish, the dolphins are killed, and then processed for food or fertilizer. Those who are considered attractive may be taken away, alive, by representatives of aquaria and marine parks who attend drive fisheries to purchase more dolphins.
Stand Up and Stop the Slaughter
But on October 8, Japan will find it harder than ever to keep its bloody little secret. Click here to find the participating group and protest nearest you.
HSUS/HSI calls on other groups and individuals to join us in this international day of protest. Together, we can convince the Japanese government that drive fisheries have no place in a civilized world and that it is time to ban this cruel and barbaric slaughter.
In cities around the world, concerned groups and individuals will be gathering from noon to 2:00 p.m. on October 8.
If you live near Washington, D.C., please participate by attending the rally organized by the Animal Welfare Institute and HSUS/HSI at the Japanese Embassy:
- When: October, 8; noon-2 p.m.
- Where: Japanese Embassy, 2520 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC
