There's growing anger at Japan over the dolphin slaughter.

Some of you are calling for a boycott of Japanese goods.

At the same time, we're also reporting Gerry McCann's return to work nearly six months after the disappearance of his daughter Madeleine.

It raises the often-discussed topic of whether people care more about animals than children.

One question asked in these debates is why we have a ROYAL Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) but only a NATIONAL Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

Paul

Thank you for your comments.

Comments

[Nicky, Staffordshire 14 Apr 2008 14:55:04]

my view is that the chinese and japanese race are disgusting, they slaughter Dolpins, whales and dogs, lets boycott anything chinese and japanese from this country and every other country.

[Bhum Phace, Nottingham 8 Apr 2008 15:34:30]

we should ban these murderous events we have in the seas.

[Marguerite Howells, Lincoln 1 Nov 2007 15:59:10]

Of course, as one of your viewers said, this is no different from the slaughter of farm animals in this country. However, this is not an either/or question, as both sorts of killings are barbaric and unbelievable in the 21st century.

[Aliso Wilson 1 Nov 2007 14:57:31]

Yet again we have to witness the culling of these beautiful dolphins. It makes me sick to my stomach.

We then have to watch the same thing happen with the beautiful seals in Canada. It is absolutely barbaric but it isn't just happening in Japan.

There are thousands and thousands of animals all over the world being tortured and killed for pointless reasons and should be stopped. We are teaching our children about saving the planet and then we have to explain why this is happening.

[Sarah Evans 1 Nov 2007 14:44:06]

I found the news on the annual dolphin slaughter very distressing. The way in which they are killed is inhumane and it cannot be justified.

It is not the same as us British eating meat. Our cattle are bred especially for food, not endangered in the wild and they are killed quickly and humanely.

The Japanese should feel ashamed of themselves.

[Marianne 1 Nov 2007 14:42:53]

How can Britain sanction trading with a country like Japan that allows the brutal killing of dolphins (intelligent creatures) on such a horrific scale as seen on Sky News.

I would hope that pressure is brought to bare to register a protest with the Japanese Embassy.

What are we doing dealing with such a barbaric nation?

Boycott everything Japanese and don't visit the country.

Send a protest to the British and Japanese embassies.

[Lynda Du Plessis, Blackheath 1 Nov 2007 14:42:14]

I am horrified, disgusted and upset at what is happening to the Dolphins in Japan.

This has got to stop, it is cruel and wrong.

What can be done about? How can we the public help?

[Lesley Goodwin 1 Nov 2007 14:40:40]

I had to express my utter disgust at the bloodbath slaughter of dolphins for food, as shown on Sky News today.

Dolphins, unlike chickens or cattle, have brains of a size similar to our own. They are friendly to humans and are able to detect pregnancy in women who swim with them. They are more intelligent than chimpanzees and gorillas, but a culling of these mammals would cause nothing short of public uproar. We should do all we can to prevent this annual murder of intelligent sentient beings who share our planet with us and do us no harm.

[Brian, Norfolk 1 Nov 2007 14:38:35]

The Japanese had a track record of gross inhumanity to man so why should we be suprised at their robotic nature of killing.

[Mark Holland, Blaenau Gwent 1 Nov 2007 14:25:48]

There is no way anyone in their right mind can condone this slaughter of innocence.

And for anyone to compare this act of barbarism to the culling of other animals such as cattle as the same is ignorance at best, sheer arrogance at worst.

Dolphins are far superior in intelligence and has saved so many shipwrecked or in distress in the pas.

Japanese people and anyone who partakes of consuming dolphin meet is committing a gross act.

Congratulations to Sky News for bringing this to the attention of the British public

[Lauren Armitage 1 Nov 2007 14:07:55]

It is not the same as farming.

Dolphins are wild mammals who are already under threat. Cows will not be wiped out because they are bred and would probably not exist if they were not.

Dolphins are amazing creatures and have a natural relationship with humans.

Japan is showing itself to be a heartless nation.

[Irina, London 1 Nov 2007 14:03:12]

There have been many credible reports of dolphins saving human lives. Is this how we repay them?

[Adele 1 Nov 2007 14:01:58]

I've just seen the horrible images of the dolphin hunt in Japan and am devastated. How on earth can this be allowed?

We are living in a sick, sick world. What can we do to help?

Is there any way the governments of 1st World countries can get together to find a solution to this inhumane act?

I'm sorry, but I would never have expected this to carry on in this day and age.

I'm speechless and distraught.

Please, please let me know if there is anything individuals like myself can do to assist in stopping this evil act.

[Dave, Manchester 1 Nov 2007 13:59:11]

I find it hypocritical that some viewers are distressed about the slaughter of dolphins across the globe when despite an ban on hunting with dogs in England and Wales that came into force in 2005, this country still allows the cruel and outdated sport to continue with hunters switching to trail or drag hunting.

When we get our own house in order, maybe we will have the opportunity to raise our voices.

[Morili Hochili 1 Nov 2007 13:55:18]

I am appalled by the doings of those fishermen in Japan.

Having said that, we are the last nation that should complain. In 2005 this country reelected a Prime Minister who invaded a sovereign country causing the deaths of 100s of thousands of people.

So it's ok to invade and kill but when another country does something bad, it's all wrong.

[Alan, Sheffield 1 Nov 2007 13:47:08]

What the hell do these people think they are doing? How can they justify the murder of whole family groups of mammals?

It is now up to the individual to act as we can't rely on Brown to do it on our behalf. Stop buying this country's products en masse until they cease the slaughter. Hit them where it hurts in their fat greedy pockets.

I would willingly pay more for a product that comes from a less backward thinking country, than sponsor such people as these.

[Sue B, Sheffield 1 Nov 2007 13:38:36]

This is babaric and murder to say the least. Something needs to be done to stop this very cruel and totally unnecessary killing on a massive scale.

These creatures are very like us with their intelligence and socialisation. Whole families/generations of dolphins are wiped out or should I say bludgeoned to death just to satisfy the Japanese taste in Dolphin flesh. This is cruel beyond belief.

Let's all write to Gordon Brown and demand something is done about this today while we still have some dolphins left to save.

[Harold Ogden 1 Nov 2007 13:33:09]

If we all adopted a "if it's made in Japan, then leave it in Japan" policy, then I am sure that the attitudes would change drastically.

[Carolyn Anderson- London 1 Nov 2007 13:32:18]

I've just cried my eyes out after watching that footage. Absolutely horrific. How and why this barbaric action is still going on in this modern day, I don't understand.

Have we not learnt anything about cruelty towards animals after all these years? Surely we've grown as a race.

Thanks for bringing it to the world's attention.

[Nicky Kent 1 Nov 2007 13:14:18]

I have watched the horror of the dolphin slaughtering this morning . It is so cruel and something must be done.

They are not like other fish that they may eat. These people must be stopped.

To see that blood bath made me cringe.

These animals are lovely and soon wiil be gone from our planet if something is not done.

Gordon Brown, do something now while we still have these animals left.

[redhandluke 1 Nov 2007 13:04:48]

Ban all products that come from Japan.

[Jason McCutcheon 1 Nov 2007 12:55:27]

I have sent a letter to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Please encourage everyone to do exactly what I have done.

It is important that we lobby our government and our local politicans about what is going on in Japan.

Re: Japanese Dolphin Murder

Dear Gordon Brown,

I have just witnessed a barbaric act of cruelty. A Sky News report has reported the cruelty that is going on in Japan. The fisherman over there are murdering dolphins.

The link to view this video is on
http://news.sky.com/skynews/video/videoplayer/0,,30000-1291065,00.html.

What is the Brittish Governenment doing about this practice. We need to let our Japanese counterparts know that this practice is wrong.

Maybe the influence of the EU needs to be brought to bear on them.

Please Mr Brown you are the only person/politician I believe who has the moral fibre to discuss this issue and get something done about it. The more governments in Europe who exert pressure on Japan the better.

We need to stamp out
this practice.

Regards

Jason McCutcheon

[Naomi 1 Nov 2007 12:41:55]

I live in Aberdeen, Scotland and I am Japanese.

I watched your news about the Japan dolphin cull this morning.

I understand it looks cruel to Western people.

However, I felt your news report was very biased and unfair because you did not interview them in the Japanese language and you repeatedly showed the very shocking footage only which was probably intentionally picked to inflame people's sensation.

If dolphin hunting is allowed once in a year in this season in Japan by the Japanese government, it is not fishermen's fault that dolphins are culled.

And of course fishermen would be angry if foreign people disturb fishermen's work.

They live on fishing.

(Dolphin hunting is "fishing" for them and it is totally legal and acceptable and has a long history in Japan.)

But your report looked as if the fishermen were very brutal and barbaric and it was totally unfair.

Has anyone said anything to the Japanese government about this? Why do you blame (I would say blame) fishermen?

Your news report did not show any respect to their work and history and it was a shame because that report looked just shallow.

If you interviewed them in Japanese and tried to report it in a fair way, it would have given a very different impression to viewers.
Or did you want to lead British people into having a biased view on this?

I do not eat dolphins and I totally agree that killing dolphins is cruel.

But I accept it because we have to kill animals and eat them to live unless you are vegetarian.

I live in the middle of farms and I see lovely cows every day and I love them. They are very peaceful and affectionate animals and I do not see the difference in the importance of life between cows and dolphins.

Though I feel terrible when I think about cows in the meat factory, I just accept it because farmers are living on that, and people need meat.

Before the Japanese started to eat meat (beef, pork, chicken...) about 100 years ago, the Japanese depended on seafood as a source of protein.

So the history of whale hunting in Japan goes back to the Jomon period (more than 10,000 years ago).

I do not know the history of dolphin hunting but I believe it has a similar history to that of whale hunting.

I just hope that you do not see things in a biased view because you are doing the same thing in a different way.

[Miss Lewington 1 Nov 2007 12:06:17]

I agree with previous submissions of this story regarding the cull of dolphins in Japan.I am absolutly disgusted that something like this is still going on.

Why is no-one doing anything to stop it ? It's barbaric and very upsetting.

How can a supposedly civilised nation act in such a cruel way. I hope every Japanese national in this country holds their head in shame after seeing the obscene slaughter.

What are the governments of the world doing about this cruel slaughter?

I cannot express my disgust enough.

I think we should all boycott Japan and Japanese goods.

Show that country there are still people who care.
Name and shame the culprits.

[Mark, Southport 1 Nov 2007 12:03:34]

Thank you so much for showing the barbaric, disgusting killing of the dolphins in japan.

I am surprised and horrified this is going on and want it stopped.

Thank you for bringing this to the world's attention along with the protestors.

Keep showing reports, Sky.

You can help stop it. You have the power there to make a difference.

[Sandra 1 Nov 2007 12:01:13]

Can I say that I am appalled that the Japanese are allowed to kill these beautiful creatures in such a barbaric way.

We need to get the government involved to stop this type of practice across the world.

These beautiful creatures give many hours of pleasure when seen in the wild and they should be treated with respect and somehow protected.

It is illegal to kill whales so why can’t the dolphins be protected.

Please keep this story in the news and maybe many people who feel the same way as I do will help make a difference and save the dolphins.

[Carole Jennings 1 Nov 2007 11:28:56]

The Japanese are a cruel race, they don't appear to have hearts or feelings. I agree with Cath, they just like to kill anything that moves either on land or in the water!!!

[Prisca Kennedy 1 Nov 2007 11:27:39]

I am shocked at two reports today - Congo poverty problems and the dolphins being killed for food in Japan.

For the dolphins, there is a celebrity and friends fiercely fighting for their lives and weeping over their death.

For the children perishing from cholera, no sympathy or tears are offered.

Is it me or does humanity appear to value animals more than other humans, especially children?

[Anne 1 Nov 2007 11:24:27]

My family and I were devastated by what we saw happening to dolphins in Japan.

Thanks for bring this to the world's attention and please can you continue to follow the story?

Hopefully there can be a worldwide ban on slaughtering dolphins.

[Jenny 1 Nov 2007 11:21:22]

How dare the Germans take the mic out of the McCanns.

They are ignorant and should grow up.

[Robert, London 1 Nov 2007 11:18:31]

We should all boycott all Japanese products until they change their ways.

[Cath Evans, Gloucestershire 1 Nov 2007 11:13:33]

I find the current slaughter of the thousands of Dolphins by the Japanese sickening. What will they kill when the Dolphins are on the brink of extinction?

Obviously they need to kill something to make themselves feel important!
Such stupidity.

Before long, all sea life in and around Japan will be extinct with the whales also being hunted. Where on earth will they hunt once this happens..?

[Kevin, Cape Town, South Africa 1 Nov 2007 11:10:25]

I feel the behaviour of not only these Japanese fishermen but also the Japanese Government that endorses this brutal and inhumane treatment of the most majestic of our sea creatures is disgusting.

I could only stare at the images on TV and pray that someone, somehow can put a stop to this.

It is truly a sad day to see these beautiful creatures tortured and put through such pain.

[Carole Jennings 1 Nov 2007 11:05:58]

Ian, are you vegetarian? Cause I would understand your views about comparing the dolphin slaughter to the amount of animals that die every day for human consumption. And I think it was more than 40 dolphins that are killed each year. For the record I am a vegetarian myself.

[Darrin Corbin 1 Nov 2007 11:02:09]

I have just seen your story regarding the cull of dolphins in Japan.

I was shocked and disgusted by your story. How can a supposedly civilised nation act in such a cruel way. I hope every Japanese national in this country holds their head in shame after seeing the obscene slaughter. What are the governments of the world doing about this cruel slaughter?

I cannot express my disgust enough!

[Miss N Brown, Battersea 1 Nov 2007 11:00:25]

Dolphins are mammals and should not be subjected to being hunted. Dolphins are living, breathing creatures and I think it is despicable that they are hunted in the first place and treated so calously before they are killed.

I do not like nor socialise with this particular nation of people because of their policies on whaling and dolphin hunting and am actively encouraging others to boycott buying any Japanese goods to force the issue home.

[Liz Ellis, Staffordshire 1 Nov 2007 10:59:04]

So glad you've covered this one and well done to TV star Hayden for drawing all that attention to it.

I think it's because we know how intelligent dolphins are and how similar they are to us for communicating, playing and forming friendships and family bonds, that it makes it difficult to see them slaughtered in this way.

I hope Sky News will look at the angle of who's buying them and keeping these slaughters going on.

[Isabel Nunes, Lisbon 1 Nov 2007 10:57:00]

Thank you for enhancing public awareness about this repugnant event that is taking place in Taiji (Japan).

Torture, cannibalism and slavery were common practices and a way of living for many in the past too. They are gone!

These people should not evoke tradition and culture to sustain a horrifying, cruel and primitive practice.

Animal rights activists and international organisations for wildlife conservation must intervene to put an end to this. They have the resources that individual citizens cannot make use of.

Sky News frequently focuses on cruelty against animals. Thank you for that. It is an important part of the public service you provide to viewers.

[Ian Skinner, Kettering 1 Nov 2007 10:50:21]

Aren't we hypocritical to make such a fuss over 40 dolphins?

Make a film in a UK abattoir and show the thousands of cows, sheep, chickens & pigs that are killed in the UK every day.

Are the Japanese fisherman doing this by hand really worse than the mechanised slaughter-systems we use to fill our supermarkets?

An animal is an animal whether on not our UK sensibilities find them cute.

[Michael 1 Nov 2007 10:43:56]

What barbarism. The poor dolphins have deep feelings. A fund needs to be set up to fight this disgusting act. We should consider this when buying Japanese goods.

[Carole Jennings 1 Nov 2007 10:42:31]

Reidun, it is typical of someone from Norway, a nation that likes to kill whales to try to turn the subject around. Dolphins need the help of humans to stop their deaths. I applaud anyone who risks their lives to save another living creature. Something needs to be done, and fast.

[Khalid 1 Nov 2007 10:41:24]

What a horrifying scene from Japan, a nation that once was the pride of the world. So as we contemplate the factors surrounding RSPCA or NSPCC, let's hope the government of Japan sees sense, changes with the times and allows nature to provide what it does best, nature!

[John Dangerfield, South Africa 1 Nov 2007 10:40:57]

Having watched the footage again, I'm as horrified as anyone, but unless you go to war on these people who would decimate the planet for sheer greed, there isn't much that can be done.

The only other course of action would be NOT to buy anything Japanese, and force economic strangleholds on these people. However the average person has a 'can't be bothered' attitude so I cannot see that working.

[Malcolm 1 Nov 2007 10:36:42]

It is quite simple really. Stop supporting the Japanese economy in any shape or form until they stop the brutal act of Dolphin and Whaling. Not to forget the mutilation of the Sharks.

If enough members of the public voted with their feet and wallet they would be surprised how quickly they could bring about change and stop these brutal acts.

[Lauren Miller 1 Nov 2007 10:19:19]

I am horrified at the dolphin slaughter. These creatures are intelligent, kind and help humans in many ways, e.g people with disabilities.

Dolphins should not be slaughtered for meat. Japan is a rich country therefore they do not have to rely on dolphin meat for money - fishermen make enough money to survive in the general fish sushi market.

I have sent numerous emails to the Japanese government in the past regarding this awful slaughter, but obviously there is never a reply. We have to act together to try and stop this terrible, outdated practice.

[Simon Lewis 1 Nov 2007 10:13:33]

Thank you for an excellent report on the annual dolphin slaughter. This issue needs all the exposure it can get!!

Thankfully now there are people like Hayden involved it will raise the profile of this campaign - maybe some other high profile celebrities can get involved in this and put an end to this "tradition" of slaughter.

I think the fisherman need to be educated that there are better ways to make money.

They would surely make more from running dive trips or dolphin sightseeing trips and would not need the government subsidies.

[Reidun, Norway 1 Nov 2007 10:08:44]

What about moving the protesters of dolphin slaughter to the slaughterhouse called hospital where species much more like us are killed every day.

When do they protest about the killing of unborn babies?

[Jon McFarlane 1 Nov 2007 10:05:05]

Who the hell is in any way slightly interested in him returning to work. Why don’t you spend some time on things that people may be slightly interested in not things that no one frankly cares one little bit about.

HEADLINE: Guy who lost a daughter returns to work

GET A LIFE YOU MUPPETS AND SPEND YOUR MONEY ON SOMETHING ELSE.

Imagine this – We were going to bring you pictures of a hospital and a man going back to work who hasn’t worked for 6 months cause he lost his daughter but instead we saved a fortune and donated it to charity.

[Mrs Keelly Lacey 1 Nov 2007 10:03:38]

I was disgusted to see the slaughter of these innocent Dolphins.

It is inhumane and totally unnecessary to kill thousands of dolphins and whales between October and March each year and just for Japan's pure greed, either selling them on to sea life parks or slaughtering them just for their fins or meat which contain high levels of mercury which could kill innocent people mistaking it for whale meat.

I signed a petition early in the year to put a stop to this cruel, evil and terrible slaughter of these defenceless dolphins each year.

Please can Sky New help support these dolphins before they become extinct.

Please, please Sky News help by setting up a online petition or organise a scheme to help as we cannot stand by and allow these dolphins to be slaughtered each year in Tiji and many harbours in Japan.

I have every praise and support for Hayden Panettiere and the actresses Isabel Lucas, Hannah Fraser and their group for trying to stop these evil fishermen.