September 5, 2008

Boston, MA - Supporters of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), Massachusetts Animal Rights Coalition (MARC), and Cetacean Society International (CSI) join the 5th annual international protest to denounce Japan's dolphin slaughter during “Japan Dolphin Day”. The Boston demonstration will be held at noon in front of the Japanese Consulate at Federal Reserve Plaza, 600 Atlantic Avenue.

Japan's annual “drive” hunts occur from September to April in coastal towns like Taiji and Futo. The cruelty endured by dolphins and whales caught in drive hunts is immense. Fishermen herd and drive the animals toward shore where they are trapped in nets and brutally killed. Dolphins are also captured live and sold to zoos, aquaria and marine parks worldwide.

“Obtaining dolphins in this manner for human entertainment is not only a crime against nature, but also a betrayal of public sentiment that seeks the protection of these intelligent, special animals,” says Courtney Vail, Campaigns Officer for WDCS. “Facilities that source animals from these hunts are providing financial incentive for their continuation and are in direct violation of their own codes of ethics.”

“Despite growing international opposition, the Japanese government continues to allow the unsustainable slaughter of thousands of dolphins annually” notes Sharanya Prasad, Program Officer for WSPA. “WSPA hopes to increase public awareness of this issue and urges the Japanese government to end these cruel drive hunts immediately.”

Helen Rayshick, Executive Director of MARC, agrees “Dolphins are among the most intelligent, loyal, and fascinating animals on the planet. They are not pests and deserve better than to be ruthlessly slaughtered. It is time for the Japanese government to listen to world opinion and stop the killings.”

“To protest Japan's annual slaughter of dolphins, the largest in the world,” says William Rossiter, President of CSI, “join the many organizations demonstrating at Japanese embassies or consulates in Boston, New York, Washington, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco. Let your voice be heard on behalf of dolphins.”

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Media Contacts: For interviews and additional information, please contact: Sharanya Prasad, WSPA: 617-986-9221 or sprasad@wspausa.org; Courtney Vail, WDCS: 480-678-7977 or courtney@wdcs.org; Helen Rayshick, MARC: 978-257-7062 or info@MassAnimalRights.org

For more information about WSPA: www.wspa-usa.org
For more information about WDCS: www.whales.org
For more information about MARC: www.MassAnimalRights.org
For more information about CSI: www.csiwhalesalive.org