Date
September 21, 2009
Contact
Bill Dyer
(310) 301-7730, (917) 309-8973
Robin Bernstein
(347) 284-8058
In Defense of Animals IDA is an international, California-based animal advocacy organization dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by defending their rights, welfare and habitats.
3010 Kerner Blvd.
San Rafael
CA 94901
IDA And Save Japan Dolphins Coalition Challenge Obama Administration On Japan
Dr. Elliot M. Katz presents urgent appeal for dolphins and whales at Ocean Policy Task Force public hearing
San Francisco, Calif. – On September 17, President Obama’s Ocean Policy Task Force heard an urgent appeal on behalf of imperiled whales and dolphins in Japan. Speaking for the Save Japan Dolphins coalition, Dr. Elliot M. Katz, president of In Defense of Animals (IDA), challenged the administration to engage Japan directly to stop the ongoing slaughter.
“The Obama Administration needs to bring the issue of the slaughter of whales and dolphins by Japan to the highest levels of that government,” began Dr. Katz. “Two years of negotiations between IWC member nations, including the Bush Administration … has resulted in no agreement to end the commercial whaling that takes place in defiance of the moratorium, and no concessions from Japan.”
The Save Japan Dolphins Coaltion called on President Obama to personally engage the new Prime Minister of Japan, Yukio Hatoyama, to end the slaughter of dolphins and whales in Japan and to enforce international treaties. IDA also asked President Obama to accelerate efforts to gain the support of other heads of state for the U.S. position at the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Dr. Katz added that “the ongoing impasse threatens the future of the IWC and serves the interests of the Japan Fisheries Agency, which continues to promote subsidized whaling and the sale of often poisoned dolphin and whale meat to the Japanese people.”
The film “The Cove” is bringing the truth about Japan's intransigence and questionable use of fisheries’ aid to nations that support its position, to public attention throughout the world for the first time. The Obama Administration must not miss this opportunity to protect whales and dolphins permanently by engaging the Prime Minister of Japan.
The Save Japan Dolphins Coalition is comprised of: Animal Welfare Institute, Campaign Whale, Earth Island Institute, Elsa Nature Conservancy, In Defense of Animals, and Ocean Care.