Ban Japan's Annual Dolphin Hunt!

As you know, fishermen recently rounded up over 250 dolphins in Japan's Taiji Cove in preparation for a traditional annual slaughter. These dolphins -- which include a rare albino and mothers and children -- will be killed with spikes, sold into captivity or driven out to sea to fend for themselves.

Dolphins are incredibly intelligent, and are subjected to extreme stress and terror during the event. They are driven into the cove with banger boats, which have poles that fishermen bang on to frighten the dolphins and force them to flee. Young are ripped from their mothers as some are killed and others are taken into captivity. Fishermen wrap the dolphins in nets and drag them to shore for selection.

We believe that there is no need to take dolphins captive for the entertainment of others. Dolphin meat is unhealthy due to high levels of mercury and other toxins. Even if these practices are justifiable for economic reasons, the methods used to round up and kill dolphins during this hunt are archaic and shockingly cruel. We respectfully urge you to discontinue this dolphin hunt and it's terrifying and painful methods of rounding up and killing dolphins. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.