WASHINGTON – Concerned citizens will join The Humane Society of the United States at the Canadian Embassy to rally for the abolition of Canada's annual commercial seal hunt. With nearly one million harp seals clubbed and shot to death for their fur over the past three years alone, Canada's commercial seal hunt is the largest slaughter of marine mammals on earth.
WHEN: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Thursday, November 15, 2007
WHERE: Canadian Embassy
501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
"There is no compelling reason to continue this monumental slaughter. The modest profits from sealing are offset by massive losses in seafood exports and an indelible stain on Canada's reputation," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "It is undeniably cruel, and it's also biologically reckless, given the threats that climate change poses to seals' habitat."
In the 2007 hunting season, Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans allowed a total of 215,388 harp seals to be slaughtered for their fur, despite the already large pup mortality rate due to the poor ice conditions. These seal pups, many as young as three weeks old, are brutally slaughtered and often skinned alive by merciless sealers.
Polling shows the majority of Canadians, Americans and Europeans want the commercial seal hunt ended for good, and governments around the world are taking action. In recent months, Germany, Austria, France and the Netherlands have all announced their intention to prohibit seal product trade. Due in part to this increased support, prices for seal products declined by 50 percent in 2007.
The commercial hunt will begin in March unless the Canadian government intervenes. In the meantime, the HSUS will continue to lead the fight against this horrific massacre. For more information, please visit Humanesociety.org/ProtectSeals
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.
