The seal hunt is not just despicably cruel. It's also immoral.

On April 6, 2005, Dave Noisy wrote:

The way i see it, activists have been doing pretty much the same thing for years…and little has changed.

We know most people, Canadian and not, oppose the slaughter. Probably tens to hundreds of thousands of letters have been written to the gov’t. Boycotts have come and gone (i believe the US still bans Canadian seal products.)

Yet, year after year, it continues. I am doubtful that anything is going to change this year as well. David Anderson seemed like the most likely Minister to initiate change, and he’s no longer the Fisheries Minister.

It seems the tactics that have been used are failing miserably…any ideas on what else could be done? Something needs to change..

On April 6, 2005, Dave Noisy wrote:

Hey Lee - it’s been a while! =)

Of course, veganism would solve the problem, but unfortunately it’s not gonna happen for a while… I’ve been following the seal hunt for many years, and it’s a known guaranteed $$ loss for the Can. Gov’t from any angle… Why do they keep it going??

And what could be done to affect or influence the sealers themselves..? Are there any ‘reformed’ sealers? People who could go and talk to others in the sealing community? What would it take for someone who’s already willing to do this to stop..???

I wonder if IFAW, Greenpeace, et al, dumped the money they spend on this campaign into paying off the sealers, if that’d do it..heh..

On April 6, 2005, Sue wrote:

I’m boycotting Canadian products that I can buy in the store and since I buy on ebay I won’t be bidding on any item from a seller that lives there. It seems to me the only way to stop this slaughter is to hurt the country and it’s people financially. The seafood idea only affects those who make fishing a way of life-the ordinary person who isn’t involved in this isn’t going to be affected and those are the ones we need to reach. Most don’t even know it’s still going on from what I’ve heard from a few. We need to make these “uninformed” people wake up and smell the roses. If your government is going to continue the senseless slaughter of innocent seals then we are not going to do business with it’s people since the people are the ones that have the power to stop it by telling their government they want it to end. During the Vietnam War massive demonstrations were held that helped to end it. If we saw these types of demonstrations in Canada by the people maybe their government will realize they can’t continue to condone it. Don’t just sit at your computer signing online petitions and then go around bragging about how you’ve done your part to end the slaughter. Visit the various anti sealing sites to see what you can do and who to write to. I plan on writing to sponsers of the bill to condemn Canada and saying that it is not enough. If they can put sanctions against countries that abuse human rights why can’t they do the same for those that abuse animal rights. I will also say that they should ban the importation of all goods made by designers who use fur in their clothing and not just items that have it. If we hit them in the pocketbook too they might be less willing to want to use it. I also plan on writing to the Creative Coalition to urge them to boycott Canada until the hunt stops(alot of films are being made there). Same goes for the SAG and any other entertainment sites I can find. I am also going to urge them to tell their members to boycott designers who use seal fur(any fur) Talk is cheap-it’s time for people to put their money where their mouth is.

On April 8, 2005, ezila wrote:

I was thinking about that as well - I mean, the industry made $16.5 million last year - and there were 15,000 sealing permits issued! If I could pay a sealer a mere $1,100 to stay off the ice, I’d do it in a heartbeat. And, in fact, they probably made even less than that, once you deduct the costs for each cursed vessel. But it was pointed out to me that they would probably happily take my money, and hunt anyway….

These people actually think that they will bring back the cod by killing the seals; they think they are doing the right thing to bring their industry back…

I am getting frustrated too - I’ve been writing letters, emails, essays, commentaries - and emailing them to hundreds of news outlets, websites, and government officials - and I feel like we’re getting nowhere. So little media coverage, it’s heartbreaking.

I find myself watching the [hunt] footage over and over, crying and apologizing to those poor creatures; apologizing for the horrors being inflicted upon them by mankind, and apologizing for being unable to help them…

What else can we do?

On April 8, 2005, Anthony wrote:

Here is a question. Where does one draw the line between acceptable slaughter and non acceptable slaughter?

The general feeling on this board is that the seal hunt is mass murder, right?

Here are some interesting numbers,

Number of seals killed in the 2005 Canada seal hunt. 350000

Number of innocent civilian lives lost in Iraq. 16,214 to 18,491

What is this world coming to when we are starting to place a higher value on the life of a seal herd that is in no danger at all of becoming endangered or killed off. A herd that I might add, that has no local predators and has a population that is out of control.

Rather than boycott Canada over a very heavily managed and sustainable hunt, why don’t we start a boycott against the united states for your Illegal, Immoral, Cruel, and un-justified invasion of a sovereign country and the wholesale slaughter of it’s innocent civilians.

I challenge you to leave this comment on here as a proof that you are not as closed minded as you appear to be, and are willing to accept an actual discussion on issues rather than preach them.

Blog editor’s note: Anthony, thank you for posting. The number of people killed in Iraq may have significantly surpassed 100,000 according to a report in the medical publication The Lancet. (“One of the first attempts to independently estimate the loss of civilian life from the Iraqi war has concluded that at least 100,000 Iraqi civilians may have died because of the U.S. invasion.” Washington Post, October 29, 2004; Page A16.) Anthony, a broad reading of animal rights encompasses human rights as well. We believe that activists in the United States should take a stand against this government’s violent incursions in Iraq. Although we live here and cannot boycott going home after a day’s work, we do speak out against killing of all animals, including Homo sapiens, and we reject the means-justify-the-end thinking that excuses slaughter.

As for your thoughts on the seals in Canadian waters, you might want to review our position statement on that. Please visit:

[Refocus Seal Intervention Where It Belongs: Government Subsidies](http://www.friendsofanimals.org/programs/wildlife/seals.html “Refocus Seal Intervention Where It Belongs: Government Subsidies”)

On April 8, 2005, ezila wrote:

Anthony, you will find that the same types of people who are trying to end the seal hunt, are also very much against the nonsense in Iraq. The issue here is a blatant disregard for life - all life, human and nonhuman.

There is no overpopulation of seals; they seem so great in number now in contrast to their numbers in the 1970’s - when they were almost hunted to extinction. As for the hunt being tightly controlled - try telling that to each seal who is left to suffer a long, drawn out death on the ice as it drowns in its own blood, or is skinned while still conscious.

The way we treat this planet with such blatant disregard for the future or the balance of nature is shameful.

On April 10, 2005, Anthony wrote:

I would just like to bring a bit of attention to this line stated earlier as it really rubbed me the wrong way.

“He assaulted someone with a club, and now he wants to waste tax dollars by using the services of the RCMP.”

I know that confrontation on the ice got ugly, and nobody really knows who started what or who said what, It could have been some extreme action on the part of an protector in order to get more negative publicity against the hunt, it could have been a sealer crossing the line of his own accord, The only thing that anybody can say for sure about what happened there was what is seen in the picture, Any stories you hear from either side of this issue will be tainting the story to make their side look good so anything you hear on that should be taken with a big grain of salt.

That being said, there is no place for placing death treats against this man and his family. I’m not saying he should have been hitting or threatening to hit somebody with a gaff, but what possible use is there in threatening to skin this man and his children going to accomplish? And then to see somebody have the nerve to say that he doesn’t deserve the protection of the RCMP???

Despite what you probably think of me from the previous post, I am not for the seal hunt, nor am I defending it. Also I am not against this hunt either. Rather I am very much against the massive flood of dis-information, and information being spun to suit one side or the others needs. I live on the east coast of Canada, and I simply get tired of all the hype year after year. Just one year I would like to see both sides just put aside all the emotion and actually discuss this civilly, instead we get images of sealers attacking protectors who may have incited it or may have been innocent. We get sealers having the lives of their children threatened. These types of behaviors are what sickens me, not the hunt.

On April 11, 2005, Anthony wrote:

Mike,

Out here, I find the majority of people are either for the hunt, or like myself, neutral to it. Most will agree that it is rather violent, however so are slaughter houses for beef, pork and chicken.

One thing to keep in mind here is that there’s a reason the sealers are out there. The price of pelts are around $100 each this year. If there wasn’t so much commercial demend for these, the hunt would have no use, rather than put pressure on the industry to stop it, Would your energy not be better spent stopping the demand for these? If people don’t want them, would it not make sence that nobody would bother hunting them?

Just an outside perspective for you.

On April 12, 2005, Dave Noisy wrote:

Several years ago the skins were quite less valuable, and seal penises were the main source of profit..

Even then, they were heavily subsidized.

Money doesn’t matter for sealing for some reason. The Canadian Gov’t is pushing this forward for some reason other than the commonly regarded economics. There’s something else at work here methinks…..

On April 12, 2005, Shelley wrote:

The government is crazy! We need some good animal-loving senators out there. I think America has become so spoiled that all it does is think about what I want or what would be good for me! Nobody stops to consider how the enviroment is effected by its plans. We need to stop this. God made these creatures for us to take care of, not destroy!!!!! SAVE THE SEALS!!!

On May 21, 2005, Siva wrote:

I wonder why?
why must people hunt animals …

please!!! just try to heal this world!

On May 24, 2005, Linda wrote:

The seal hunt is very inhumane and disgusting. There is no need for it to go on. The letter I received from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans said the reason that the seal hunt goes on is to give the fishermen employment. I understand that to a point. I really believe that there are many other ways to make a living then going out and clubbing baby seals. 42% of them were skinned alive in this last hunt. They are slaughtered for their pelts. The Canadian Government also gives the people help. Maybe these people need to get creative and look into building a factory and produce faux fur. The more people that protest the closer it brings this slaughter to a permanent end. People need to be educated. Get them into some of the websites and take a look at video’s of the seal hunt. It makes a big difference.

On May 31, 2005, Matthew L . wrote:

Why would any one do this. I think killing something very nice and stuff is so dumb! We need to boycott on all Canada’s goods toys,food,etc.I think Canada needs help and to read the BIBLE.Hello this makes me mad. We should BOYCOTT lets make it a big boycott. Are you with me?

On June 15, 2005, Tessa wrote:

I am not sure how anyone could find this hunt Humane or beneficial?It is deemed okay or necessary for these hunters to make a buck! That is crazy. It is said to be okay because of the over-population of seals. What do you think the seals are thinking when everywhere they look there is a humane with a club in his hand? I’m thinking the thought of over-population must come into their minds. We were put on this earth as care takers of the Earth and the animals. Boy are we failing miserably!!!!!It is a shame the things people will do for money. Since when do we get to say what lives and what dies and for that matter how many should be killed.I dont think God approves cosidering he created the seals as well as humans. People atleast in most countries are free to have as many children as they would like and when they cant afford them they get money from the state. There are people out there that have way too many kids but you dont seals seals knocking on there door with a club in their hand. I will not have anything even remotely associated with Canada. What a disgusting and shameful thing to be associated with.

On August 18, 2005, Rebecca wrote:

I think that killing animals that having even done anything to you! People that do this kind of stuff should be ashamed!!Of killing these animals!!So please save these animals!!!!!!!


Thank You!

On September 19, 2005, Jen wrote:

Hunting animals is cruel because hunters do it for mostly entertainment. This creatures not only feel but fear us of what we are doing to them to entertain ourselves. As the creatures see us killing them for our own pleasure there going to turn against us and attack no matter what happens beacuse their angry of what we are doing.Creatures are like humans but mostly no one could realize that. For example, if you fall and scrape your knee it hurts. Imagine a poor cub getting his paw stuck in a trap and the more the cub moves the more the trap goes in.Humans and animals are one but different and doesn’t mean they can’t feel the pain. You dont have to realize it but think about what the consequences may be.Animals are pretty much smarter than humans because they know when danger is coming by trusting their instings and not like us that we get it by surprise or rely on something else.

On February 18, 2006, Jan Manor wrote:

I have been an advocate of saving the seals for many years, and I totally approve of what you are trying to do. I think the slaughtering of these animals or any animals should be abolished. How would humans feel if we could go out and start hunting them down and killing them? I’m sure the government would NOT approve such a law, but let’s think about it for a moment. How about if we could go out and slaughter one million humans because there are too many of us? Animals have feelings too and do feel pain just as we do. Let’s stop the killing and start saving these wonderful animals.

On March 26, 2006, Paul wrote:

I remember many years ago in grade school hearing about this at a nearby toronto museum and seeing videos showing what took place. I was told by the museum person, that seal hunting had been stopped. He clearly did not want me or my classmates to know the truth about the issue. Recently, I hear that the SOB’s are still doing it and I just discovered something like 325,000 will be killed this year alone. Combined with the DRASTIC increase in the northeast coast(and world’s) temperature, I was overwhelmed with emotions of first complete sorrow for the poor creatures sentenced to death and now, anger at my shameful government and the people who hunt these innocent seals so terribly, and profit from this. Today was the first day of the ‘06 hunt and I have to tell you something. I have lost pretty much all faith in my government and this country. If Canada lived up to its supposed reputation, more people would speak out against this act like I am. My fellow countrymates just turn a blind eye to it though. Very very unsettling and disturbing. Today is the first day of the hunt and each day I find it harder and harder to defend the country when people talk about it.

On March 26, 2006, The Barbarians wrote:

How many of you have had to dig worms in the night so you could fish in the morning just so you could eat breakfast, pick berries, tend gardens & check trap lines all to provide food for your family? Not a damn one! Those days are behind me as is Newfoundland but unlike you I’m well aware of how some have to toil from daylight to dark just to survive. Have you ever heard your children cry at night because they are hungry? I’d sell my soul for my family and to never hear those sounds again. Your Governments slaughter people over gas, oil & revenge and yet we are the barbarians!

[The blog editors have feeling that isn’t the writer’s real name; writers, please remember the request that blog writers use valid accounts. Friends of Animals will not justify revenge killings, or the killing of people for oil. Humans and seals can and should be respected. Acknowledging the interests of other conscious beings does not diminish the interests of humans. Best wishes to you.]

On April 7, 2006, Sarah Howard wrote:

I pray that together we can do something to stop the killing of the seals or any animal for their furs. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help in the fight against this henious crime. Please let these precious animals live in peace so that they can be around in years to come and so we will always be able to enjoy the beauty that they provide us with.

On February 1, 2007, Lauren wrote:

i think that this is all horrible. i mean why do people have to go around killing innocent animals?
I am in 8th grade and writing a persuasive paper persuading people not to use animals for a human’s advantage.

we have to have three reasons (one of which has to come from The call of The Wild) my two reasons are 1 about testing product on animals and 2 about the killings of seals and elephants. over all i think that we could have easily avoided this by having more forest preserves and more security

Thanks~
lauren :)

On March 11, 2007, Fatima Velarde wrote:

I think that is terrible , this people doesn’t have hearts! What will they think , what will they feel , if one person comes and kills their children or their parents?

And the worst is that they do this only for a few dollars.

Many times the people says : How can God allow that all this bad things in the nature happen, like the tsunami or things like that and it isn’t Got that allow that the bad things happend , are us, the humans are the culprit of all catastrophe in the world.

Now, is only the consecuense of all the humans “work” .

The only think that i know is, that i love the animals and the seals don’t deserve be killed.