Sadly, the 2009 seal hunt on the eastern coast of Canada is just about to begin.
According to Animal Alliance of Canada, over 366,000 seals were slaughtered in 2004 - the highest recorded number of seals ever. One year prior to this, the Canadian government announced the largest seal quota in history: 975,000 harp seals within a three-year period. During the 1950's and 60's, when seal numbers reflected similar numbers, the harp seal population was reduced by two-thirds.
In 2001, post mortems on seal carcasses were conducted by veterinarians, who found that in 42% of cases, seals did not show enough evidence of skull damage to guarantee unconsciousness at the time of skinning. Sealing is by far one of the most barbaric, inhumane activities ever to exist.
Sealing is carried out by only a few thousand fishermen from Canada's east coast, accounting for less than 1/10th of one percent of the GDP. Despite this, the sealing industry is heavily subsidized by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Human Resources Development of Canada.
One of the greatest misconceptions is that seals are endangering the Atlantic cod industry. Despite this, scientists are discovering that throughout history, seals and cod have co-existed successfully within a natural ecosystem. A study carried out by marine biologists at the University of British Columbia reveals that 99% of marine mammal feeding takes place in areas where there is no commercial fishing (New Scientist, 15 May 2004.)
Polls have shown that public opposition to the seal hunt is escalating. It is by far the largest marine mammal slaughter in the world.
Canadian Members of Parliament, however, are not listening. They are currently meeting with Members of the European Parliament in order to encourage importation of seal products.
There is a way that you can help! Please contact Diana Wallis:
diana@dianawallismep.org.ukAs a Member of the European Parliament, Ms. Wallis has been given the responsibility of writing the legal proposal regarding the banning of imports of seal products into the European Union. Please let her know that you do not support this cruel and inhumane industry.
Also, you can help by boycotting the purchase of any Canadian seafood.
For further information, please visit:
http://sealhunt.ca/ http://www.harpseals.org/about_the_hunt/index.htmlNEW STORE! Giftware and Prints for Sale to Help AnimalsThe Animal News BlogArt Helping Animals Main Web Site