Iceland bans whaling over animal rights concerns
Iceland’s government said it was suspending whaling until August 31 this year due to animal welfare concerns, potentially bringing the controversial practice to a historic end.
A recent monitoring report by the country’s Food and Veterinary Authority on fin whaling found that it takes too long to kill (kill) the animals based on the basic objectives of the Animal Welfare Act.
The veterinary authority released shocking video clips showing the whale’s agony as it was hunted for five hours.
The Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Swandis Suvarsdottir, said in a statement that if the government and licensees cannot guarantee welfare requirements, their activities have no future.
Meanwhile, he also announced the suspension of all whaling operations.
Animal rights groups and environmentalists have applauded the decision. Humane Society International "”An important milestone in the conservation of sympathetic whales.”