Killing Pregnant Whales - Japan continues to defy International Law

**During the latest Japanese Whale hunting season - they killed over 120 pregnant Minke Whales in the name of Scientific research. The hunting is done in the Great Southern Ocean in an area under Australian protection. Another 115 Whales under Adult age where killed as well, these figures come from information supplied to the International Whaling Commission early last month.

It is possible and perhaps likely that the actual number of Whales harvested is much greater than the Japanese are prepared to admit too. Despite International outrage Japan continues to hunt in Australian Whale Sanctuaries, and they claim it is in the name of scientific research.

Of course any child could tell you that killing Whales is not a valid method of conducting research on protected species. Of the 333 declared Whale killings durinf last summer, 181 where Female and over 67% where found to be pregnant.

The Whale flesh is sold for human consumption in Japan, and even though it is no longer popular with more aware Adults and young people, the demand is still strong amongst the older Samurai class.

The USA is also compliant in this slaughter, as they own 50% of the Japanese Whaling fleet. It was the USA that originally encouraged Whale flesh consumption, after the 2nd World War, as a means to offset severe food shortages. Many older Japanese developed a taste for the Whale meat during these years after WW2 while under American occupation.

In order to sample the stomach contents of the Whales and to see what they are eating -the Japanese claim they have to kill the Whales. Who are we to say whether this is true or not. Simply examine your own moral compass, and consider if this should be stopped
Whaling is against International law, and they are protected Animals who where very close to extinction as recently as 20 years ago. Whilst numbers are increasing, the vast majority of people consider the Whales to be intelligent gentle Mammals that deserve a safe existence without threat from Humans.

Please write to the Japanese embassy in your own country to demand the end of lethal research on Whales, as per basic intelligent moral behaviour.**