Letters / No need for the Grind
Once upon a time Shetlanders used to do this as a necessity and a source of food, but technological advances in food production, transportation and other forms of technology have rendered such a barbaric act mute (Viewpoint: ‘These Faroese are crazy’; SN, 17/08/15)
It is no longer necessary to conduct such a cull on the basis of necessity or even tradition.
I take it the Faroe Islands get lifeline services just like we do on the Shetland Islands, and as a consequence of this we do not have to continue such acts of cruelty towards these beautiful creatures because it is essential for our survival or keeping alive old traditions for the sake of preserving a lifestyle which no longer exists.
Even if every aspect of the cull is monitored with strict guidelines, it does not take away the fact that this is still a cruel act, and is not a necessary part of a modern, civilised society.
I take note in regards to the meat production of animals used for the sole purpose of eating, clothing and other industrial process. However, these animals have specifically bred over many centuries for this purpose.
Yes, it may look good on the supermarket shelf, away from the brutality of the killing and processing of the animal, but as said, farm production of meat is a specific function which has been carried out, going through generations of improvements through breeding and cross-breeding.
One really has to ask the question: Why is such an act of cruelty necessary on the Faroe Islands when in reality, there is no real need for it to take place?
David Spence
Lerwick
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