Date Set For First Hearing in Case Against Japanese Whalers

The case has attracted substantial media attention. For a summary of media coverage, including links to online media, click here.

See also HSI Media Releases on this case.

Sydney, October 27, 2004: A preliminary hearing in Humane Society International's case against the Japanese company that hunts Antarctic minke whales in Australia's Whale Sanctuary will start November 16th.

The Environmental Defenders Office (NSW) Inc. (EDO), Senior Counsel Stephen Gageler, and Barrister Chris McGrath are acting on HSI’s behalf in the Federal Court.

Humane Society International has presented evidence to show that, since the Australian Whale Sanctuary was created under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act in July 2000, Kyodo Senpaku Kaisha Ltd has killed over 400 minke whales within its waters.

On November 16th the Court will determine whether to grant leave to HSI to serve the documents commencing the proceedings against the whaling company in Japan. A further hearing is expected to decide whether to grant an interlocutory injunction restraining the Japanese company before further whaling occurs in the Australian Whale Sanctuary in late February 2005. A final hearing is expected in mid-2005 to determine whether to grant a permanent injunction restraining the whaling in the Australian Whale Sanctuary.

For further information: EDO Solicitor Jessica Simpson on 02 9262 6989 or visit www.hsi.org.au