Comedian Ricky Gervais has denounced the slaughter of pilot whales on the Faroe Islands near Norway.

The conservation group Sea Shepherd released footage last week that appeared to show a pod of whales being herded by boats toward the beach of Bour in the Danish territory.

Locals wading into the water then attacked the whales with metal poles in a traditional practice known as "driving". The footage shows the water turning a deep, blood red.

"Tragic whale slaughter in Faroe Islands," Gervais tweeted on Friday, Australian time. "It's good we've found a twin Earth because we're really f---ing up this one."

The creator of The Office is a frequent critic of animal rights abuse. This week, he called for a ban on bullfighting, as well as calling attention to fox hunting and puppy farms.

Sea Shepherd estimated 150 whales were killed on July 23 in two locations, at Bour and Torshavn. It said five of its activists were detained and arrested.

The government of the Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory, criticised Sea Shepherd's description of the killing as "cruel".

"Catches in the Faroe Islands are sustainable and fully regulated, with an emphasis on animal welfare," a spokesman for prime minister Kaj Leo Holm Johannesen said.

"The utilisation of pilot whales for food is a natural part of the Faroese way of life and the meat and blubber provide a valued supplement to Faroese households."

Fairfax Media