On Sept. 20, The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International are joining the Animal Welfare Institute and many other concerned groups and individuals in observing the second annual worldwide Japan Dolphin Day.
Japan Dolphin Day shows Japan that the world will not tolerate its cruel drive fisheries. Protesters plan to gather at Japanese embassies and consulate offices in cities across the globe.
Drive fisheries are an ugly blot on Japan's international reputation. Every year, between September and April, Japanese fishermen in coastal communities, such as Taiji, slaughter thousands of dolphins.
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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.
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The dolphins, viewed by the fisherman as competitors for fish, are killed and then processed for food or fertilizer. Dolphins considered attractive may be bought and taken, alive, by representatives of aquaria and marine parks. The representatives attend drive fisheries to purchase more dolphins for their facilities.
Stand Up and Stop the Slaughter
On Sept. 20, Japan will find it harder than ever to keep its bloody little secret. Click here to find the participating group and protest nearest you.
The HSUS and HSI call 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 at noon on Sept. 20, 2006.
If you live near Washington, please participate by attending the rally organized by the Animal Welfare Institute, the HSUS and HSI at the Japanese Embassy:
- When: Sept. 20 at noon
- Where: Japanese Embassy, 2520 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC [map]
