How to Stop Killing Seals
Few countries in the world allow seal hunting. The majority of commercial seal hunting occurs in Canada, where millions of seals have been killed for their fur, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Most of the seals killed in recent years have been younger than one month old. The seals are either shot or hit with clubs or ice picks. A 2001 study by independent veterinarians found that 42 percent of the seals were conscious when they were skinned.
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Instructions
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Since Canada's annual seal hunt is the largest killing spree of marine mammals in the world, opposition to the seal hunt should begin with that country. Protest the Canadian seafood industry by refusing to purchase snow crabs, cod, shrimp, lobsters, salmon, scallops and other seafood caught in that country. The seafood industry is very important to the Canadian government. If seafood profits dip too much because of those protesting the government's support of the seal hunt, officials may be forced to make seal hunting illegal.
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Send letters to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Minister of International Trade Stockwell Day protesting the seal hunt. Remind them that nearly 70 percent of their constituents oppose the hunt. Point out that sealers are usually off-season fishermen trying to earn a little extra money. Profits from the seal hunt also account for only 2 percent of the income in Newfoundland, where 90 percent of the seals are slaughtered, according to the Humane Society. Therefore ending the hunt would not result in a large loss of profit.
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Spread the word about the seal hunt. Not everyone knows the brutality involved in seal hunting. The Humane Society's "Protest Seals" website has information on how to spread the word to friends through the Internet.
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Refuse to purchase fur of any kind. Selling fur is the main motivation behind the seal hunt.
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Make a donation. The Humane Society ProtectSeals Campaign and Boycott Canada (a campaign by Respect for Animals) are just a couple of the places that accept donations. The money is used directly to protect seals. The Humane Society website also offers anti-seal hunt merchandise for sale.
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