We, the undersigned, join with the global community of marine scientists and zoo and aquarium professionals in condemning the brutal and inhumane practice of dolphin drive hunts in Japan, which slaughter over 20,000 dolphins and other small whales each year. Dolphins are highly intelligent, self-aware, mammals with bonded social lives.
The United States engages in many types of meetings and negotiations with the Japanese government. We urge you to exercise your authority to make ending the cruel and inhumane Japanese dolphin slaughters a high priority in all dealings with the government of Japan.