End the Faroe Islands whale and dolphin slaughter.

UPDATE: In response to widespread outcry over the killing of more than 1,400 dolphins in a single day last year, the Faroese Government has put a provisional limit on the killing for 2022 and 2023. However, the 500-dolphin limit only applies to white-sided dolphins – it does not include pilot whales or other species of dolphin. The 2022 season has already seen single-day killings of 63 pilot whales – 10 of whom where pregnant mothers – and 100 bottlenose dolphins, who are protected by the European Union, of which the Faroe Islands is not a member.

Every year, hundreds of pilot whales are slaughtered on the Faroe Islands, a small group of islands north of Europe.

Locals who participate head out on boats to drive these animals into a fjord, using nets to block their way back to sea.

The whales are forced to beach themselves, or are pulled ashore with a blunt hook lodged in their blowholes. Once beached and defenseless these whales are killed by having their spinal cords and major blood vessels cut. It can take up to three and a half minutes for a whale to eventually die.

As well as pilot whales, several species of dolphins are also killed using these same methods.

The meat and blubber of these animals was once an important part of the diet of the Faroe people, due to the harsh climate that makes it difficult to grow food on the Faroe Islands. But nowadays their food supply is diverse and plentiful — and the cruel whale and dolphin hunt continues primarily for the sake of ‘tradition’.

How you can help marine animals

This petition indicates just how many people care about the sea creatures who live in our oceans. But you can have a real  impact for animals today. Here’s how:

• Take the pledge to never attend marine parks, and help end the cruelty of keeping marine animals in captivity.
• Leave fish and other sea creatures in the ocean, and off your plate. To learn more about how delicious and simple animal-friendly eating can be, order your free Veg Starter Kit today.
• Discover more about sea animals through eye-opening marine life documentaries here.

* Please note that the purpose of this petition is to provide a visible indicator of the weight of public support behind ending the killing of whales and dolphins in the Faroe Islands and that the names of signatories are not forwarded.