Animal rights activists were shocked and dismayed as the Indian Navy announced its plans to use dolphins for planting advanced limpet mines on enemy ships and submarines, following successful trials. O P Yadav, general manager at the Ammunition Factory at Kirkee, Maharashtra, which manufactures these mines, said dolphins were chosen because of their high intelligence level and because they would cause little suspicion.
So far, navy divers have been planting mines on enemy vessels but the job is fraught with danger. Animal rights activists call the decision to use dolphins inhuman, and say that humans have no right to make other animals fight its own wars.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.