There is no humane way to kill a whale at sea.

[John Gulliver]

"Scientific evidence presented this year confirms that there is no humane way to kill a whale at sea and, therefore, that all commercial and so-called scientific whaling should cease on cruelty grounds alone."
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Can the whales 'be saved' - again?

[Luddite]

Originally Posted by John Gulliver

"there is no humane way to kill a whale at sea"

Before everyone get on to me for this post I agree whaling should be outlawed.

Does that mean if you drag one onto land there is a humane way to kill it?

[John Gulliver]

Originally Posted by Luddite

Before everyone get on to me for this post I agree whaling should be outlawed.

Does that mean if you drag one onto land there is a humane way to kill it?

I've no idea but I suppose some form of humane killer like those used to slaughter animals at abattoirs could be devised for whales. The problem is, though, how would you "drag one onto land" without causing it undue stress and suffering?

[Garf]

I suspect if you hit it with a nuclear-tipped torpedo it wouldn't endure too much undue stress and suffering.

I'll get my coat.

[Druid]

Originally Posted by Garf

I suspect if you hit it with a nuclear-tipped torpedo it wouldn't endure too much undue stress and suffering.

I'll get my coat.

Be difficult to carry out any meaningful scientific research on it though

[Owenter]

Originally Posted by Druid

Be difficult to carry out any meaningful scientific research on it though

Those of you who follow the whole arguement that here in Norway most are in favour of commercial whaling on a sustainable basis.

I agree that if it can be done then why not?

There has been much research done here on humane ways to kill whales and whithout blowing Norway's trumpet too much, when they research something they are very consciencious, thorough and objective. There are all these shock reports that the whale is still twitching even after being harpooned with an explosive device. Well we all know what happens with chickens etc...

I heard a report recently where someone from Greenpeace or similar said that there was no demand for whale meat, humm. Well as whaling is quite expensive I'm sure that no one would do it if there wasn't a demand for it.

The meat here called "hvalbif" or "whale beef" is very popular.

What does it tast like? I have no idea.

Too easy to get all emotional about whales because of what we all like to do for a hobby, but think about it, is it really any different than fishing, rearing livestock etc...

[MATTBIN]

From what I have seen (on TV) and read the method of killing these large beasts is about as in-humane as is possible, for that reason alone I think its a dreadful thing to do and neither Japan nor Norway can justify the slaughter.

Matt

[Owenter]

Originally Posted by MATTBIN

From what I have seen (on TV) and read the method of killing these large beasts is about as in-humane as is possible, for that reason alone I think its a dreadful thing to do and neither Japan nor Norway can justify the slaughter.

Matt

Well Matt, it's back to the old idea of believing what you see.

I spoke recently to an old fisherman who hunted whales for most of his adult life, he says they do not suffer, his knowledge and experience mean more to me than sensational and often one-sided news report trying to shock.

Go visit a modern abattoir and you'll see all the same things going on!!

Don't get me wrong, I do not condone allowing any animal to suffer but the methods used on whales are necessarily a little more dramatic than on cows or sheep. We're talking explosive devices being fired into the whales body before detonating, do you really think they would be conscious after that?

[chrisch]

Originally Posted by Owenter

..We're talking explosive devices being fired into the whales body before detonating, do you really think they would be conscious after that?

Its difficult to say as whales cannot talk.

Lets try it on the fishermen. Purely in the name of science of course.

Chris

[John Gulliver]

"Scientific evidence presented this year confirms that there is no humane way to kill a whale at sea and, therefore, that all commercial and so-called scientific whaling should cease on cruelty grounds alone."