The annual hunt, known as the 'grindadrap' or 'grind' which goes on throughout summer, is defended by Faroe islanders who say it is part of their cultural heritage and is a tradition stretching back over hundreds of years. But, this year the Faroe Parliament met to formulate new Grind laws that declares war on whales. These draconian rules apply to everyone on and visiting the Islands.

"It is a sad inditement on humanity when a whole nation defends a barbaric practice of animal cruelty by making laws to perpetuate and deter oposition to these Crimes Against Nature," Graham J. Clarke (President - Whales in Danger)

The NEW Special law that have been enacted is translated as follows (in part):

This Lagtingslaw applies to all periods pertaining to the killing of Pilot Whales and other legal killings of small Whales.

This law determines the authorities, rights and duties of those, who by law and custom have the Authority to Govern Grindadrap and the rights and duties of those, who are in Grind on the Sea and on Land.

This Lagtingslaw also applies to others, who perform actions or restrictions, whose intent or consequence is, that the Grindadrap is disturbed, hindered or prevented, or who by their in-action are the reason for such.

• It is an offence NOT inform the police if whales are spotted.
  When Pilot Whales or other small Whales, that can be legally killed, are found within the National Sea Boundary, Grindaboo (Whales found message) must be given to the Sheriff, regardless if the whales are spotted by people aboard boats or ships, in Helicopter or Aircraft or by persons on Land.


• All equipment, vehicles, ships or any other possession can be seized if it is suspected to have been used to try to save whales' lives.
  The empowerment of the Police and other persons with the Authority to take measures against persons and their possessions in their care, that are used to disturb, hinder or prevent a Grindadrap, are determined within this Lagtingslaw.
  
  The Waters around the Pod of Whales is determined to be a Pilot Whale Drive Zone (Grindarakstrarokio) for one Nautical Mile in every direction, and is under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff and the Whaling Foremans.
  
  It is not permitted to Drive or Influence the travel route of a Pod of Pilot Whales or other small Whales with the intent of preventing a Grindadrap, even in situations, where the decision to kill the Whales has not yet been taken, or in situations where the Sheriff has declared that the Pod shall not be killed.


• Authorities can detain anyone for up to 12 hours on the suspicion that they are going to try and save whales.
  The Police are tasked with preventing hindrances that are set up regarding the Grindadrap, no matter what stage it is in.
  
  With the intent of preventing hindrances the Police can take measures against that or those persons, who can be expected to want to disturb a Grindadrap.
  
  If lesser measures are not sufficient to protect against interference in the Grindadrap, the Police can, if necessary, detain that or those persons, who intend to interfere or disturb the Grindadrap. Such a detention must be as short and civilised as possible, and, as far as possible, not last for more than 12 hours.

The methods the hunters use have long been the source of controversy. Often entire villages take part in the hunts, including children.

According to The Sea Shepherd Organisation, this year's killing season has already begun, with 154 pilot whales reportedly being slaughtered in a single day on Miovagur beach on the island of Vagar at the beginning of June, 2015.

Until last year the hunt happened once a year, but along with these new laws the "grindadrap" may take place whenever the whales come close to shore, which can happen at any time of year.

During previous mass slaughters locals used hooks and knives, with hunters cutting through the animal's neck to break its spinal cord. However, earlier this year, Faroese officials introduced a "regulation spinal lance", designed by a Faroese veterinarian. The officials say the lance is inserted (thrust) through the animal's neck to break its spinal cord and ensures that the whales loose consciousness then die.

"There are no starving Faroe islanders who need whale meat," argues Robert Read, head of Sea Shepherd UK's operations.
"The actual grind is almost like a national honour sport, yet is very different from so many other hunts around the world, in the sense that nothing escapes. If there is a pod of dolphins they will kill every single one, wiping out entire genetic pools." (with unwanted carcasses dumped back into the sea)

"Throughout history when a government has something really despicable to defend, like Apartheid in South Africa or the special laws to oppress Jews in 1930's Germany or in this case the brutal murders of entire families of cetaceans. Special laws are always the hallmark of desperate measures to uphold horrific political and cultural practices." - Captain Paul Watson