Hayden Panettiere Vows To Save The Dolphins

Hayden Panetierre has vowed not to let her violent confrontation with Japanese fishermen deter her from her campaign to end the slaughter of dolphins.

Last week, Hayden was threatened by a group of angry fisherman (click here for the video) after the pint-sized Heroes star joined surfers as they attempted to disrupt the killing of Japanese dolphins.

However, on Friday she said in a statement that it’s her duty to continue her marine conservation work.

She said: “The dolphins and whales in our ocean are a part of a larger eco-system that prevents the killing off of other marine life. By destroying these animals and not allowing our future generations to enjoy their beauty, we are causing our own selves damage. I always felt the need to speak on behalf of these helpless creatures who can not defend themselves.

"Because I am in the public eye I feel the need to be a voice of worthy and important causes whose efforts impact the lives of every person on Earth. These animals are being brutally and unnecessarily slaughtered – and who are we to say to they have less of a right to exist than we do.”

Hayden is now back safe and sound in L.A. - click here for our pics of the eco-cheerleader leaving a pampering session over the weekend.