Dolphin Day 2005 - 8 October

London joins worldwide demand to stop dolphin killings in Japan

Co-ordinators of the UK protest, the Marine Connection, were delighted by the amount of support generated for the protest. Joined by some other leading UK animal welfare groups, the passing public were also encouraged to get involved.

Car horns honked as drivers showed their support and people stopped to sign our petition, take leaflets or ask questions, all of which added to the fantastic atmosphere of camaraderie outside the embassy.

Drummers and protesters chanted, the Marine Connection dolphin "danced" with police and public waving her banner, and with Andy Starbuck drove around in the "Dolphin Van", to help raise public awareness; the protest was peaceful but passionate.

Marine Connection director, Margaux Dodds commented; "I am delighted that so many people joined in this protest against the unnecessary death and suffering of these magnificent marine mammals. Surely now, Japan must be made to answer why they feel these hunts are justified? People came along today to the Embassy in London and other Japanese embassies around the world, because they want to see an end to this slaughter. Let us now hope that, by working together globally, we will now meet that aim."

Read the letter sent by Marine Connection on behalf of UK groups to the Japanese Ambassador

Signatures will continue to be collected and the petition, will be handed into the Embassy at a later date. Please show your support by printing off our Petition and collecting signatures from your friends and family to help Stop Dolphin Drive Fisheries in Japan.

Read more about the Dolphin Drive Fisheries and their connection to the captivity industry.

Watch an interview with Ric O'Barry containing footage of the Japanese Dolphin Drives on the popular Dutch tv programme Nova (choose Windows or Real to play). We urge you please if you can, take a few minutes to watch this, even if you do not speak Dutch the footage speaks for itself. After watching this we are sure you will understand why we feel you should not support keeping dolphins in captivity.

* PLEASE NOTE : this video clip contains footage of dolphin cruelty and suffering and may not be suitable for younger children.

Images: © CAPS and BDMLR