title: Assessment of the humane aspects of electric lancing of whales by measurement of current densities in the brain and heart of dead animals.
abstract: The potential physiological effects of the electric lance are assessed, as used in Japanese whaling operations. Current densities are measured in the brains and hearts of six whales to which a controlled current of 5 A is applied by two electrodes inserted at various sites in the carcasses. The whales vary in size from 1.8 m (22 kg) to 16 m (40 t). The minimum current density in the brain necessary to cause depolarisation of neurones is estimated to be 10 mA cm-2 and to cause ventricular fibrillation is estimated to be 0.5 mA cm-2. No current densities exceeding 4.8 mA cm-2 are recorded in the brain. Very few recordings of current density from the heart are above 0.5 mA cm-2, and they occur only when electrodes are in optimal positions. When electrodes are placed as in whaling operations, no whale over 3 m in length would receive current densities in the heart or brain sufficient to cause permanent dysfunction. It is concluded that electric lancing is ineffective as a secondary method of killing whales and that the current densities recorded could cause pain and suffering to an already distressed animal.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Madie
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Blackmore
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004560:Electricity; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014907:Whales / Q000502:physiology*