The Seal-Bashing Begins
Today marks the first day of Canada’s annual commercial seal slaughter, in which tens of thousands of baby seals are shot, bludgeoned, and skinned so that off-season fishers can sell their pelts. Baby seals can legally be killed as soon as they lose their white fur at just a few weeks of age, and most are killed when they are less than 3 months old.
Because of the worldwide outcry against the slaughter, all major markets have banned seal fur, including the European Union, the U.S., Mexico, Taiwan, and even Russia. Canada is currently spending an estimated $10 million in taxpayer money to try to overturn the EU ban, but here at PETA, we are working hard to ensure that it stays in place by attending World Trade Organization hearings in Geneva and teaming up with Jude Law, Pamela Anderson, and other compassionate celebs to keep this issue in the spotlight.
The seal slaughter is only hanging on by a thread, thanks to supporters around the world who continue to hold eye-catching demonstrations at Canadian embassies, the tens of thousands of people who are using social media as a platform to raise awareness, and the free Seals Hero app, which thousands of young Canadians are using to fight sealing from their cell phones.
It’s time for the Canadian government to accept that the world has turned its back on seal products and devise a practical exit strategy: a government buyout of the sealing industry. Please take action now, and encourage your friends and family to join you!
