Dolphins trapped in Taiji Cove in central Japan were killed on Tuesday (January 21).<br/> <br />Fishermen using nets and boat engines led the dolphins to an area, which was hidden from public view.<br/> <br />Blood seeped into the sea.<br/> <br />Activists from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society denouncing the hunt said around 250 dolphins were trapped, with more than 50 selected for aquariums.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY ACTIVIST, MELISSA SEHGAL, SAYING:<br/> <br />"A metal rod was stabbed into their spinal cord, where they were left to bleed out, suffocate and die. After a traumatic four days held captive in the killing cove, they experienced violent captive selection, being separated from their family, and then eventually were killed today."<br/> <br />Sea Shepherd says the slaughters occur almost daily for six months.<br/> <br />Japan has defended the dolphin hunt, saying it is a traditional industry and is carried out legally.
