Wild Animals

Cetacean Drive Hunts and Welfare

Drive hunts for dolphins and small whales cause intense suffering and have been widely condemned by animal welfare scientists.

Key Facts

Drive hunts in the Faroe Islands and Japan kill thousands of cetaceans annually
Animals are herded into shallow bays and killed with lances, causing prolonged suffering
WSPA and international scientific assessments conclude drive hunts cause extreme suffering
Some animals are captured alive for aquaria rather than killed
International criticism has grown but hunts continue under domestic or cultural rights arguments

Welfare Considerations

Cetacean drive hunts expose intelligent, social animals to prolonged terror, physical pain, and the distress of witnessing the killing of pod members. Scientific assessment consistently finds that these hunts cannot be conducted humanely. The welfare case for ending drive hunts is overwhelming.

What You Can Do

Oppose cetacean drive hunts through supporting animal welfare organisations
Never visit marine parks or aquaria that source animals from drive hunts
Raise awareness about the welfare impacts of drive hunts
Contact your government to advocate for stronger international opposition to drive hunts