The end may be in sight for Harp Seals

A glimmer of hope shines for Canadian Harp Seals as it seems the end of the commercial seal slaughter in Canada is in sight.  

Due to the public outcry and years of campaigning, global demand for seal products has dramatically reduced and become almost obsolete.  This means that around 300,000 baby Harp Seals were saved this year and in the past four years over one million have been spared. (Figures taken from HSUS)

Even more good news is that Canadian Senator Mac Harb, last month, introduced legislation in the Canadian Senate to end the commercial slaughter and the bill was unanimously approved to pass for second reading.

Before we get too comfortable we must remember that Harp Seals are still being slaughtered, this year the Canadian government authorised sealers to club and shoot 400,000 seals.  

Mac Harb's critical legislation is still up for debate so we need to convince the Canadian Senate to support this lifesaving bill and end the horrendously cruel seal slaughter for good.  Please spare a moment to click here and show your support.

Thank you Russia, on behalf of the Harp Seals

The Canadian seal slaughter will begin in a matter of weeks.  However, there is some good news... the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan and Belarus recently passed a historic ban on the trade of harp seal fur which is the main product of the seal slaughter.  Russia was a primary market for seal products and an order for 100,000 baby seal skins has been cancelled!  The drop in demand means we are a step closer to ending the annual seal slaughter for good.

Unfortunately, the Canadian government vows to reverse the ban through diplomatic pressure which leaves hundreds of thousands of baby seals at risk of being shot or clubbed to death.

This means the future of the ban hangs in the balance and it is vital that we commend the leaders in Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus for enforcing the ban and asking them not to give into pressure from the Canadian government.  Please click here and spend a moment adding your details to the readily prepared correspondence.

If you have time, please click here and add your details in order to contact the Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper and ask him to call of this years cull.


Finally, it will only take a minute to add your name to PETA's petition here.

Source: Humane Society International

Image Source: The Guardian

Canada's commercial seal hunt has started.

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The commercial harp seal hunt in Canada has now begun.  The government have approved the slaughter of 400,000 baby seals.  

The Canadian government are still fighting the EU ban on seal products and challenging the rights of other countries saying "no" to seal products.

Please spare a moment to click here in order to inform Prime Minister Stephen Harper that you will defend your right to say "no" to cruelty and ask him to listen to people throughout the world and end the seal hunt.

One Minute Action for Seals

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One of the things that I am most disappointed in about not having time to blog over the past few months has been that I haven't been able to share all the news with you about this years Canadian Seal Cull.  I have been inundated with campaign news about this yearly abhorrance but just have not had chance to do anything with it.  I have signed the petitions and sent the e-mails myself but it isn't the same if you aren't here to help!

It isn't too late though and if you can spare just one minute to sign this petition it would be lovely.

The petition is addressed to Prime Minister Stephen Harper in the hope of urging him to protect, not slaughter the beautiful wild seals of Canada.  

Don't forget to let your friends know too.

Thank you.

Seal Cull: News Roundup

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I'm sorry I've not been around at such a crucial time, the Canadian Seal Cull is one of the issues closest to my heart so I am disappointed not to have been bombarding you with information and ways to help.

Here is a short summary of what has been happening in Canada so far.

Update from Humane Society International

Despite the bad weather forecast the seal cull went ahead but there is some light at the end of the tunnel, Rebecca Aldworth from HSI states that "In 2008, sealers killed more than 1,000 pups on Hay Island. Two years ago, 200. Today, half of that. Our campaign is working. Markets for seal products are closing around the world, and the prices for seal products remain very low."  She goes on to say how the ProtectSeals boycott of Canadian seafood is hitting fishermen hard and making them reconsider their support of sealing. 

IFAW have a very useful site full of information, take a look here.

How to Help

Sign the pledge to boycott Canadian seafood (Don't forget to share on Facebook and/or Twitter)

Have a look at Harpseals.org website which is full of ways to help.

Fluffy Friday #12 Special Fur Free Friday Edition

Today is Fur Free Friday so I thought Fluffy Friday should be a tribute to all the beautiful animals cruelly killed for their lovely fur.

Fur Free Friday means that people all around the world will be working hard to educate holiday shoppers about the fur industry.

How to get involved in Fur Free Friday:

Peta are running a petition where you can pledge to be fur free, sign up here.

Peta are also asking people to share their fur expose on your Facebook page by clicking here.

Spread the word to your friends and family and tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter too, wish them a "Happy Fur Free Friday!"

If you know anyone who does wear fur ask them to donate their fur to Peta for them to use in their campaign.

Now for our Friday treat... don't all these animals look beautiful with their fur on?

Raccoon with it's famous striped bushy tail.

Mink and baby Mink.

Harp Seal are killed in their thousands for their fur.

Canadian Black Bear skin is used for the British Foot Guard caps.

Chinchilla, his coat looks better on him.

Fantastic Mr. Fox.