Does anyone know the history behind the practice? At one time, it could have been a matter of survival, just as was practiced in various forms (first hunts mostly) in most all other tribal cultures in one way or another.
Most Danes have probably changed with the times with these practices being completed by a very few.
I am not defending the practice "today", however, the historical perspective is missing from this thread and could shed some light behind the practice started in a day when it meant winter survival to the people...