Broome to dump Taiji as sister city over dolphin slaughter

Broome Shire will sever a sister city relationship with a Japanese town that hosts the killing of more than 2000 dolphins a year after an emotion-charged special council meeting this afternoon.

More than 50 people, who packed the council chambers’ public gallery, greeted the decision with a standing ovation.

Broome Shire president Graeme Campbell said council’s unanimous decision was to “respectfully advise” the town of Taiji that Broome would be unable to fulfil its obligation as a sister town while the dolphin killings continued.

But he said the shire recognised the role Taiji played in developing Broome's pearling industry in

the 19th century.

As part of a raft of council resolutions, councillors noted the national and international pressure placed on the shire to end the relationship.

The council also resolved to it would like to commit to developing alternative economic opportunities with the Japanese town.

Pressure had been mounting on the Shire of Broome to end the relationship with Taiji, where 26 dolphin hunters run a secretive operation to fill its government-sanctioned quota of 2300 dolphins.

Broome resident Una Baker, who attended today’s meeting, said she had been consumed by the horrific slaughters since watching the film, The Cove, which exposes the killings.

“It was very positive … what we wanted to achieve was achieved and it was awesome – everyone is very happy,” she told thewest.com.au.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Australian director Jeff Hansen commended the shire and Broome residents for taking up the issue.

"This could just be the catalyst that shuts this unjustified, barbaric and inhumane practice down for good," Mr Hansen said.

Mr Campbell said the shire would notify Taiji of the decision as soon as possible.