The European Union must vote for a full ban on seal products - The Guardian

[Annces]

John Bowis
The Guardian, United Kingdom

Excerpts


In just a few weeks' time, Canada's eastern ice floes will change from a pristine nursery ground for young harp seal pups to a scene of carnage, as the annual commercial seal hunt begins yet again.

The hunt is brutal, unnecessary and wasteful. Every year more than quarter of a million pups – 98% under three months old – are clubbed or shot for their fur.

Shortly after the world's largest marine mammal hunt begins at the end of this month, the European parliament will have a historic opportunity to create a massive setback to the Canadian hunt (and other commercial hunts in Russia, Namibia, Greenland and Norway) by banning the import, export and transit of all seal products in Europe.

This move comes in response to widespread condemnation of seal hunting from members of the public in countries across Europe, including the UK.

We don't need seal skins – but seals do. By voting in favour of a full and comprehensive ban in the European parliament this April, MEPs will help to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of seals from future hunts. We can help stop the ice turning red.

full article
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cif-green/2009/mar/13/wildlife-eu