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Activists outraged over Japan whale killings
Japan factory ship Nisshin Maru, which was part of the four-vessel fleet - whaling a mother and her calf.

More than 300 minke whales slaughtered in the name of science

Animal protection advocates are calling for an end to the cruel practice of whale harpooning, after vessels containing the meat and blubber from more than 300 minke whales docked in Japan.

The four-vessel fleet docked on Friday (31 March) in Shimonoseki on its return from its controversial ‘scientific whaling’ in the Southern Ocean. Destined for the Japanese marketplace, the meat was frozen and pre-packed, ready for sale.

The number of whales killed is the full quota that Japan has assigned itself under NEWREP-A - a whaling programme that is set to run until 2027. One of the main aims of the programme is to collect data, which Japan claims will improve biological information on Antarctic minke whales and the marine ecosystem.

But there is no humane way to kill such large mammals, and whalers are using barbaric methods - such as exploding harpoons - to chase them down. Most whales targeted by this method do not die immediately and can take considerable time to die.

In a statement, Kitty Black, executive vice president of Human Society International (HSI), described the practice as ‘obscene cruelty in the name of science that must end’.

“There is no robust scientific case for slaughtering whales,” she said. “Commercial whaling in this or any disguise does not meet any pressing human needs and should be relegated to the annals of history.”

It is thought that more than 15,000 whales have been killed by Japan since 1982 when a ban on commercial hunting was introduced. Under Article VIII of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, Japan is permitted to kill the animals in the name of science. But it is widely accepted that this is only a pretext for an ongoing commercial hunt.

In January, EU member states signed a formal statement of concern over the NEWREP-A programme. Meanwhile, members of the US Congress are set to condemn the killing, with a resolution due to be introduced calling for an end to Japanese whaling.

Te resolution urges Japan to cease all whaling and affirms the commitment of the U.S government to protect whales.

Image (C) Australian Customs and Border Protections Service.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.