Dolphin Drive Hunts occur in the village of Taiji. The Japanese government permits a small number of fishermen to herd thousands of dolphins and other small whales into shallow coves where they are violently butchered with knives and clubs.
Each year during a period from September to April, thousands of dolphins and whales are slaughtered in the dolphin drive hunts. Many people in Japan are unaware of this brutally inhumane practice because the fishermen go to great lengths to hide the hunts, which have been under fire from conservation and animal welfare groups for years.
Scientific evidence on dolphins confirms that they are highly intelligent, aware, mammals with bonded social lives. The drives inflict unjustifiable pain and suffering on animals. A coalition of zoo and aquarium professionals and marine scientists has launched a campaign to halt Japan's annual "dolphin drive." Act for Dolphins is led by scientists seeking to raise awareness and bring an end to the Taiji slaughter.