more than 700 Atlantic white-sided dolphins were killed across three separate hunts known as the grindadráp in the Faroe Islands. This incident has become one of the largest single-day killings in recent history, surpassing two-thirds of the approximately 1,000 marine mammals killed throughout the previous year.

The hunts took place amid chaotic scenes where whales and dolphins were herded towards shore and killed using inadequate equipment. Observers reported a critical shortage of spinal lances, which are legally required for the humane killing of dolphins. Instead, many animals suffered prolonged distress as they were killed with knives, resulting in significant animal cruelty.

The largest single drive occurred in the capital, Tórshavn, where 406 dolphins were killed. Reports detailed horrifying scenes where animals were crushed against rocks or struck by boat propellers due to the overwhelming chaos and lack of proper equipment.

This mass killing was particularly controversial given that it came just hours after the Faroese Parliament voted unanimously to remove whale and dolphin hunting from the protections of the Animal Welfare Act. Critics have condemned this timing, indicating a blatant disregard for animal welfare amid ongoing conservation debates.

Sea Shepherd, a marine conservation organization, condemned the killings, calling them "chaotic scenes of extreme animal cruelty." Two crew members from the organization were arrested while documenting the hunts, accused by whalers of interfering—though Sea Shepherd maintains they were merely observers.

Valentina Crast, Sea Shepherd's Campaign Director for the Faroe Islands, stated, “Nobody can ever justify this level of intense suffering inflicted on innocent animals.” The organization has called for European governments to take action against these hunts, urging an end to what they describe as unnecessary and large-scale cruelty.

The event has reignited a fierce debate over traditional hunting practices in the Faroe Islands, with local authorities defending the grind as a longstanding cultural tradition while conservationists argue it leads to extreme animal suffering and should be banned. Further actions are expected in efforts to bring international attention to the issue and advocate for cetacean protections in the region.