On September 20th, Humane Society International, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and the Animal Welfare Institute joined in a worldwide protest to denounce Japan's annual slaughter of dolphins by the thousands during the 2nd annual "Japan Dolphin Day." The demonstrations were held at Japanese embassies and consulates in dozens of cities around the world.
Dolphins are hunted in Japan for their meat (for human and animal consumption), to be processed as fertilizer, and because they are considered competition for fish. A growing number are captured live for sale to aquaria and marine parks.
Known as "drive fisheries," these hunts take place from October to March off the shores of remote Japanese port towns, primarily Taiji and Futo. The dolphins caught are ruthlessly herded by boats and loud noises into shallow bays or beaches, cut off by nets, and then killed by having their throats or spines cut. Those selected for live capture are taken out by sling or stretcher and transported to cramped sea pens where they await their sale.
"The drive hunts are without doubt the most brutal way to hunt or capture dolphins anywhere in the world," said Naomi Rose, Ph.D., marine mammal scientist for HSI. "These are sentient, sensitive, social creatures
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