News Archives

October, 2005

Dolphin advocates protest Japan's hunt

Dolphin advocates around the world staged an international day of protest against Japan's bloody “drive fisheries” on October 8th. During this annual hunt, fishermen in motorboats encircle pods of dolphins and chase them to shore. Once the dolphins are beached, the fisherman slaughter them with knives and spears. This hunting method is particularly cruel and inhumane and benefits only a handful of fisherman.

The international day of action was held at Japanese Embassies around the globe on Saturday, October 8th. Hundreds of people turned out at 44 events held in 26 countries.

Though the majority of the dolphins are slaughtered for meat, it is the young dolphins “saved” for the captive industry that are the primary motivation for the hunts. Many fisherman have admitted that they would not continue the drive fisheries if it were not for the high prices offered by the captivity industry for wild dolphins.