dailypedia
Dolphins are one of the kindest if not the most intelligent animals. Not to mention how friendly they look, flipping over or swimming with people on dolphin shows, with very strong social skills among themselves and other creatures, dolphins surprisingly can stay with the ill or injured, bringing them to the surface to breathe. However, in a small village in Japan, nearly 2000 of these lovable, harmless creatures are hunted by fishermen as part of their traditional practice which has already started from September to March each year.
As the controversy goes on for years, a small town in Taiji, Japan claimed that traditional and cultural practice should be respected as part of their livelihood and custom. On the other hand, activists contradicted the tradition as false truth that is inhumane and “illegal.” These activists, mostly foreigners call for Japanese citizens to take part as believed to be the only way to stop their activity. They also encourage people from different parts of the world to voice their stand and stop buying tickets for animal shows.
If only dolphins can dress up to be the cutest or make their most “puppy-eyed” expression to save their lives because aside from the meat, a number of the captured are being sold to aquarium around the world. Yet, it is another issue for animals in aquariums who die because of emotional stress or the pressure they get from training and performing.
As meat plays a big part for the hunting season, health risks arise from researchers who have found high concentrations of mercury in dolphin meat. People who eat it can obtain high level of mercury in hair which can cause neurological damage. It is not advisable to eat this meat on a regular basis especially for children and pregnant women.
Despite of the arguments pointed out, as well as facts, these steps are not enough to stop or even lessen the activities to care more for the environment and exercise the right for all living things to exist fairly.
