More than 800 dolphins and whales have been killed in a series of hunts in the Faroe Islands this May, prompting renewed international concern over the continued practice.
More than 800 dolphins and whales have been killed in a series of hunts in the Faroe Islands, intensifying global concern over the continued practice.
In five hunts during May alone, Faroese hunters killed 825 animals, including pilot whales, Atlantic white‑sided dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. The killings are part of the traditional grindadrap, in which pods are driven into shallow waters and slaughtered.
This latest toll has raised fresh concerns around the future of the hunts and the willingness of authorities to respond to international pressure.
Hundreds of dolphins and whales killed in May hunts
The scale of the killings in such a short period has alarmed animal welfare organisations worldwide. These hunts, which often involve entire pods, result in the deaths of highly social marine mammals known for their intelligence and strong family bonds.
During the hunts, known as the Grindadrap, pods are located at sea and driven towards the coastline by boats using coordinated movements and noise. As they are forced into shallow bays, escape becomes increasingly difficult and the animals cluster together in distress.
Once in shallow waters, they are restrained and have their spinal cords severed with a blade. The process often unfolds in front of other members of the pod, heightening fear and stress in species that rely heavily on social connection.
Entire family groups, including pregnant mothers and calves, can be killed in a single hunt, intensifying concerns about both animal welfare and the continued justification for the practice.
You can make a difference for vulnerable animals
Donate now
When you make a donation, you’ll join a passionate group of supporters who are determined to change the world for animals. We're fighting animal cruelty wherever we find it — are you with us?
Click to donateYet another completely senseless slaughter of dolphins has taken place in the Faroe Islands this spring. In five hunts during May alone, Faroese hunters killed 825 animals, including pilot whales, Atlantic white-sided dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. This is a tragedy and has no place in a modern society. Whales and dolphins are highly intelligent, sentient animals capable of experiencing both pain and fear.
Over the years, World Animal Protection has repeatedly engaged with the Faroese authorities, and we had hoped that progress was finally being made. Sadly, this is clearly not the case. The Faroese government continues to ignore international concern and appeals to take animal welfare seriously, allowing the needless killing of whales and dolphins to continue.
Change is long overdue. Once again, we urge the Faroese government to bring an end to this barbaric practice.
Concern over welfare and government inaction
Despite years of international scrutiny, the Faroese government continues to permit the hunts, arguing that they are a longstanding cultural tradition.
World Animal Protection and other animal welfare organisations have challenged this tradition, pointing to the significant suffering caused and the availability of alternative food sources on the islands.
We will continue to call for an end to the hunts, urge decision‑makers to stop the grind, and recognise the evolving global standards on animal welfare and the growing expectation to protect marine life.
Related content
Ending the Annual Whale Hunt in the Faroe Islands
Blog
Learn about Grindadrap, the annual Faroe Islands whale hunt. Discover which whales are targeted, why hunting persists, and what you can do to stop Grindadrap.
Whale Heritage Areas
Heritage Sites
World Animal Protection in partnership with World Cetacean Alliance recognise outstanding destinations for responsible wild whale and dolphin watching
Types of Dolphins | Species, Facts and Protection
Blog
Discover different types of dolphins, from bottlenose dolphins to pink river dolphins. Learn about their traits, habitats, threats, and how to protect them.
