New Video Available from April 11, 2008 Seal Kill

Today, The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International returned to the ice floes off Canada's east coast to bear witness to the commercial seal kill. Observers filmed possible violations of the marine mammal regulations and sealers failing to adhere to the supposed new three-step killing process. Working under extreme weather conditions that severely diminished visibility and likely accuracy, sealers shot and clubbed every seal pup in sight. Video and stills are available at video.hsus.org.    

"Today's evidence shows that the Canadian commercial seal kill is inherently inhumane. I saw exactly the same cruelty I have witnessed each and every year for the past ten years I have documented  this slaughter. One seal pup was clubbed thirteen times by two sealers before they sliced her open," said Rebecca Aldworth, director of Animal Programs for Humane Society International. "One of the most effective ways to end this slaughter is to remove the financial incentive for sealers to kill the pups. We are calling on the European Commission to immediately ban its trade in all seal products." 

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Humane Society International (HSI) is the international arm of The Humane Society of the United States, a nonprofit organization founded in 1954, with 10.5 million supporters. HSI works to create a humane and sustainable world for all animals, including people, through education, support, and the promotion of respect and compassion. Our efforts include: Building capacity in developing countries for humane agricultural practices and wildlife and habitat protection initiatives; helping to control stray animal populations using humane methods; promoting more humane treatment of livestock and providing veterinary services for livestock and companion animals; combating the illegal wildlife trade; protecting endangered species and marine mammals; educating children and adults; strengthening organizations and governments; and conserving wildlife habitats. Additional information can be found at hsi.org.