Current International Actions Against the Seal Trade

Countries that have prohibited the trade in seal products through legislation

United States
Belgium
Netherlands
Mexico
Slovenia
Croatia

Countries that have suspended the trade in seal products through licensing programs

Italy
Luxembourg

Countries whose parliaments have resolved to ban the trade in seal products

Panama
Germany
Austria

Countries that have announced their intention to ban the trade in seal products

France
Italy

Countries that have announced they will press for an EU ban on the trade of seal products

Germany
UK
Netherlands
Italy

Political bodies that have called on governments to ban the trade in seal products

Council of Europe
European Parliament

Countries that have prohibited the commercial hunting of seals

United States
South Africa
Russia (White Sea)

Countries that have called on the Canadian government to end the commercial seal hunt

Mexico
United States
United Kingdom

Note: In 2006, the Council of Europe passed a resolution calling on nations including Canada to "ban all cruel hunting methods" used in commercial seal hunts and calling on its 46 member states to promote initiatives banning the trade in seal products.

Today, the European Parliament made history when it voted overwhelmingly to ban trade in seal products.

We could not have won this victory without our supporters. Advocates in Europe and around the world sent letters, faxes, and emails showing the decision-makers in the EU that people care deeply about the seals. When we all work together, we can make a real difference for seals and other animals.

Europe has been a primary market for Canadian seal products, and many believe this ban spells the beginning of the end of the slaughter; however, the fight is not over yet. That is why we will continue maintaining economic pressure on Canada's fishing industry through our boycott of Canadian seafood products. We will continue pressing for a strong law in Canada to stop commercial sealing. And we will continue to lobby other nations to ban seal products.

Thank you for being a part of this historic campaign to save the seals. I know we can count on you to stay with us as we bring a final end to Canada's commercial seal slaughter.