Japan Dolphin Kill is On
An Animal Rights Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM

David Phillips, Save Japan Dolphins
September 2015

Outside media pressure on the cruel slaughter in Taiji is important. But it is not enough. We must build in-country Japanese opposition to stop the sale of toxic dolphin meat, stop patronizing the aquariums buying dolphins from Taiji, and build public awareness in Japan -- especially among young people -- that the killing of dolphins must end.

The Taiji fishermen have just restarted the cruel dolphin slaughter.

12 Risso’s dolphins -- panicked and ripped from their families -- were herded into the Cove, stabbed, and butchered. The mercury-laden dolphin meat will be sold to markets and may even be fed to unsuspecting schoolchildren. More dolphins will be snatched and sold into desperate lives in captive aquarium tanks.

The Japanese Government authorized the killing of 1873 dolphins this season, perpetuating the barbaric slaughter. But we must stand up and respond. I hope I can count on your help. Please DONATE.

Outside media pressure on the cruel slaughter in Taiji is important. But it is not enough.

We must build in-country Japanese opposition to stop the sale of toxic dolphin meat, stop patronizing the aquariums buying dolphins from Taiji, and build public awareness in Japan -- especially among young people -- that the killing of dolphins must end.

There are signs of hope. After a 10-year campaign, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) will finally suspend any Japanese aquarium buying dolphins from Taiji. We’re blacklisting any aquariums that quit the Association to get around the ban, starting with the notorious Taiji Whale Museum. Along with our colleagues at Australia for Dolphins, we are in court against them right now for blocking entrance to westerners to check the status of Taiji dolphins.

We must expand outreach within Japan with a message to stop patronizing any zoos and aquariums on the blacklist. When aquarium dolphin purchases from Taiji dry up, the Taiji dolphin drive fishery will collapse.

Help us work with our Japanese colleagues to stop false labeling, sale, and consumption of mercury poisoned dolphin meat. Some of this meat has mercury levels 30 times higher than the maximum set by the Japanese Health Ministry.

When markets stop selling dolphin meat and people stop buying it, the Taiji dolphin slaughter will cease FOREVER.

We must reach more people in Japan with the message that it is time for safe food products and safe oceans with protection for all dolphins.

False labeling and sale of dolphin meat must be stopped. Wild dolphin and whale watching is sustainable and profitable rather than cruel and shameful.

We’re currently sponsoring a Japanese organization bringing groups of kids living near the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster to week-long programs on Mikura Island where they learn about nature and swim with wild, protected dolphins. It is making a difference. Check out details below.

We can stop the Taiji slaughters with your help. We appreciate your support and will not quit until dolphins and whales get the protection they need and deserve.

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