I would like to raise awareness about the issue of the inhumane mass slaughtering of dolphins for the sale and consumption of their mercury-laden meat. This occurs annually in Taiji, Japan. Many pods of dolphins are chased into a cove to their deaths (known as a drive hunt.) Some dolphins that are considered “show quality” are ripped apart from their families and shipped off to marine animal entertainment industries.The Japanese government and Taiji officials have done nothing to stop this atrocious 50 year old tradition; remaining ignorant to the obvious faults of the practice.

The consumption of dolphin meat leads to mercury poisoning due to the high amount of mercury contained in them. Low levels of mercury poisoning can result in tremors, headaches, fatigue, memory loss and even hair loss. While high levels of mercury poisoning can lead to serious heart diseases. So not only is dolphin slaughtering an ethical problem, but a health problem too. 

Signing this petition is a small step to banning this inhumane, out-dated tradition. With your help, we hope to raise awareness and be the voice for those who cannot speak.

(P.S This is for a humanities school project, but the issue is still serious.)