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Blue whale butchered in Iceland
Photographs taken by Sea Shepherd Global show Loftsson’s crew posing for photos next to the whale.

Conservationists call for action to protect endangered marine animal

An endangered blue whale has been illegally killed and butchered by an Icelandic whaling company for export to Japan.

According to Sea Shepherd Global, the whale is the 22nd endangered whale slaughtered by Kristján Loftsson’s commercial whaling company since 20 June 2018. Whilst the first 21 whales killed were endangered fin whales - which the Icelandic government has permitted - they do not have any legal authority to kill blue whales.

Photographs taken by Sea Shepherd Global show Loftsson’s crew posing for photos next to and on top of the whale, suggesting they were aware this was a rare blue whale. They also show Loftsson’s crew butchering the whale as though it was a fin whale to make it harder to locate during potential inspections.

A number of whale identification experts have since examined the photographs and said that the whale is without question a blue whale.

“While I can’t entirely rule out the possibility that this is a hybrid, I don’t see any characteristics that would suggest that,” commented Dr Phillip Clapham from Alaska Fisheries Science Centre. “From the photos, it has all the characteristics of a blue whale; given that - notably the colouration pattern - there is almost no possibility that an experienced observer would have misidentified it as anything else at sea.”

The Sea Shepherd foundation - an international marine conservation movement - is now appealing to the Icelandic authorities to prevent Loftsson from committing similar crimes. Robert Reid, Sea Shepherd UK’s chief operating officer, said:

“The crime committed against this iconic whale must be fully investigated by independent inspectors with DNA samples taken from all the whale meat and parts in storage at Loftsson’s whaling station and warehouses since the whale has been butchered and removed from view potentially to hide the evidence as Loftsson has no authority (even within Iceland) to kill a Blue whale.

“In addition, environmental DNA samples should be taken from whaling station equipment, surfaces and containers to look for Blue whale DNA in case the butchered parts have been removed to hide this latest atrocity.”

Image (C) Sea Shepherd Global

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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.