Her Child Was Torn From Her Body. It's Almost Impossible To View These Images

#1

Some things that happen in this world are almost impossible to comprehend from the outside. Is it due to injustice or heartlessness? Is it the desire to express power over the weak?

Warning: Following photos are quite graphic, but it helps raise awareness around an ongoing issue.

The inhumane and barbaric tradition of annual whaling in the Faroe Islands seems to meet all of these points, and yet it takes place each year and again this summer. Be careful as some of these photos are VERY disturbing!

Since the 16th century, there has been whaling around the Faroe Islands from the time of Norse settlements. Specific records date back to as early as 1584. Usually it's the pilot whales that are killed by the captors.

#2

Traditionally, the fishermen went with simple wooden boats to hunt for whale meat. The yield was still manageable then and posed no direct threat to the whale population.

Today, most Faroese still carry out the whale hunt annually since they consider it an important part of their tradition. Animal rights activists, however, do not have this view. They feel that the tradition has gone too far and is simply inhumane.

Who would believe that in a picturesque place like this that thousands of horrible acts of animal cruelty take place every year?

Today is the annual pilot whale hunt. Chances of these creature escaping is slim, especially with the new technologies.

#3

Huge groups of whales are driven into the bay. They await their cruel fate. They have nowhere to escape!

Every time there is a struggle for survival, the whale will most certainly lose.

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Photographs show the true nature of the terrible spectacle. The water of the bay is colored deep red by the blood of the slain pilot whales.

#5

The now lifeless whales floating in the water are hauled to shore with ropes and placed there by the dozens, side by side.

#6

This is the sad result of a single fishing day -- countless dead whales lined up neatly in rows.

One can only imagine what kind of torture these animals suffered. This is mostly due to tradition as whale meat plays only a minor role on the menus around the Islands. In 2008 medical officers concluded that the whale meat was deemed unsafe for human consumption due to high mercury levels.

#7

Here is the sad climax of the cruel slaughter feast: a sliced open whale whose intestines spread across the ground. What's next to her? Her unborn calf with no chance at life.

Why is there so much suffering? By the day's end, the baby whale ends up as unwanted waste in a dumpster.

#8

The children at the event appear to be having fun, riding on the backs of these whales and even getting their picture taken.

What kind of world are we living in?

Is this what we want to teach our children?

Please share with your friends and family to spread awareness about this horrific issue!