In an archipelago between Iceland and Norway, called Faroe Islands, thousands of whales and dolphins have been slaughtered as part of an annual ritual.
The mass slaughter has turned the shoreline red with blood, which sparked strong outrage after pictures surfaced online.
Locally called Grindadrap, the whale harvesting practice is centuries old, dating back to 1584. Due to the island’s location, the residents have relied on the whale meat and blubber as a major food source, reported Hindustan Times.
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Animal rights organisations like PETA UK have stepped in as well, criticising the practice.
Whales and dolphins are highly intelligent creatures and feel pain and fear every bit as much as we do.PETA UK website
Commercial whaling is banned in most parts of the world, but the islanders are allowed to harvest by law for the meat to be distributed to the community.
The Faroe Islands spokesperson in a statement last year defended the practice by saying:
Whaling is a natural part of Faroese life and pilot whale meat and blubber are a cherished supplement to households across the islands. Whaling in the Faroe Islands is conducted in accordance with international law and globally recognised principles of sustainable development.
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