MP welcomes news whale is safe

12:31pm Thursday 10th January 2008

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STOURBRIDGE MP Lynda Waltho MP has welcomed news that her adopted whale, Owl Claw, has received a temporary reprieve as the government of Japan has removed 50 humpbacks from this year's whale hunt.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) recently adopted humpback whales for all UK MPs to encourage greater protection for whalees, and according to reports - Japan has agreed not to kill humpback whales this season.

But Labour MP Lynda fears Japan is pressing ahead with plans to take almost 1,000 other whales over the next three months.

The recent announcement follows months of public and diplomatic pressure on Japan, which launched its whaling fleet on November 18.

Lynda said: "While I am very pleased to hear that Owl Claw is safe for the time being, we must not forget Japan is still targeting many other whales, including endangered species.

"We must keep up the diplomatic pressure for an end to this cruel practice and I will continue to lobby the Government on behalf of the many constituents who have contacted me and expressed their concern over Japan's whaling."