Japan Dolphin Day

On Wednesday 3rd September, NGOs and individuals will be gathering in cities worldwide, as part of a peaceful international protest against the annual Japanese hunts. The Marine Connection, once again is co-ordinating the protest outside the Japanese Embassy in London, where they will be joined by several other animal welfare organisations and supporters.

Over 20,000 dolphins, porpoises and other small whales are killed every year in Japan. More than 2,000 alone, are slaughtered in drive hunts that run in Taiji from September to April each year, making Japan responsible for the largest direct kill of dolphins worldwide. During this time, Japanese fishermen round up dolphins and small whales, driving them towards the shore where they remain trapped and distressed. Aquariums and marine parks pick out the “best” animals for display. Animals not sold to captive facilities are then slaughtered for human consumption, despite the fact that dolphin meat from the Taiji drive hunts is highly contaminated with toxic chemicals such as mercury, methyl mercury and PCBs - all of which could pose a serious health risk, especially to children and pregnant women.

Janja Novak, Campaigns Officer explains: “It is important that members of the public show the Japanese Government that they oppose these brutal killings and I hope many will join us for this peaceful protest on 3rd September”.

We are asking everyone who can, to join us on the day. However for those who can't, your voice can still be heard by signing our petition.

http://www.marineconnection.org/news/general/taiji_dolphin_day_08_petiti...

The petition/signatures will be handed into the Embassy on the day.

When: Wednesday 03 September 2008
12 midday to 2pm

Where: Japanese Embassy
101-104 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7JT

For full details go to