"Don't Wait for the Olympics!" Friends of Animals Tells Tourists, "Boycott Canada Now, 'Til Seal Hunt Stops"

On April 10, 2006, MJ wrote:

I already do not buy anything from Canada nor would I ever go there. I was about to buy something the other day but when I saw made in Canada I immediately threw it down and changed my mind. I hope others follow and this. Seal hunt is just plain Cruelty to Animals. We all know that and its completely, I said COMPLETELY Unnecessary! Its all greed and money.

On April 11, 2006, Donald C oady wrote:

Get a real job and start contributing to Canada.

[ Blog editors’ note: (1) Got one, and (2) No thanks.]

On April 11, 2006, Tim wrote:

MJ you have already used canadian products as soon as you got up this morning to the time you go to bed. The phone, zipper, wheat you name it made in Canada. The seal hunt isn’t Cruelty to animals. If you actually did some reasearch you would know.

[Blog editors’ note: Funny how these arguments sound much like the ones we hear from Alaska’s wolf-shooting brigade. The seal massacre is an abomination. It’s a pity you don’t understand why. ]

On April 12, 2006, Carla wrote:

I applaud your efforts. And I truly believe the Gov’t of Canada will feel the effects of a drop in tourism!
I am signing any petition I can find, and am making sure my feelings are known about this senseless slaugher of the seals. Let’s keep fighting together, this has to stop!

[Blog editors’ note: Many thanks for this encouragement. Petition-signing is easy, but it will have no effect on changing public policy, and government subsidies. An economic boycott of Canada’s yearly $18 billion tourism industry will deliver a message they can understand.

On April 12, 2006, colleen obrien wrote:

THAT’S THE WAY YOU DO IT. INNOVATIVE, REWARDING. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED. I SHALL FORWARD TO THE UNIVERSE.

On April 12, 2006, MJ wrote:

Sorry Tim, I DID research, i think you need to do some research! Though it may be too late. Killers of innocent animals are just killers! We all know where they belong! Also I’m sorry, but your evaluation that I use Canadian products as soon as I get up is the most insane thing I have ever heard. BUT look where its coming from!

On April 12, 2006, Kim wrote:

I for one will be boycotting all that comes from Canada,until the slaughter of the Harp seals has ended and for good! I say hit’ em in the pocketbook and Boycott Canadian (products) as well as no vacations to their Country. I feel sorry for those who feel that it is in the best interest,..What to murder and slaughter an innocent baby seal, I think Not!
Just my 2 cents worth!!

On April 12, 2006, Lynn wrote:

Well, its that time of year again for you Canadians. And I find myself once again voicing my outrage at your so called “nesessary” “Seal Hunt”! How long do you need to read things from Americans and Canadians who are totally against this hunt before you stop killing these innocent seals? You fishermen in Canada seem to think its nesessary, when it has been proven that it is isnt. I think you just LIKE KILLING AND VIOLENCE!

On April 12, 2006, Dale Fabrizi wrote:

Any so-called human being who can look me in the eye and tell me that bashing a baby seal in the head numerous times, watching it bleed, scream with pain as it is skinned alive and its grieving mother watches, suffering an extremely long and painful death, is humane, is a seriously disturbed creature (definitely not possessing a single human quality, thus the use of the work creature). If you don’t feel an umbilical connection with the earth and all animals and living things on the planet, then you have not evolved and are not civilized at all! I will boycott ALL Canadian products nor will I consider traveling to Canada as well as the products of any country indulging in the torture of living animals. It is so ironic that torture is such an issue in the world these days? Animals have a central nervous system just like humans. Have we forgotten that we are just one chromosome away from the apes? “The human race is a failed species.” Carl Sagan

On April 12, 2006, MaryAnn wrote:

I will not buy anything made in Canada nor will I visit due to the massacre of seals. I consider Canada to be an uncaring and barbaric place and want nothing to do with it. They will lose plenty of tourist and revenue from caring people like us due to this act of violence.

On April 12, 2006, Peter B. wrote:

I will continue to boycott buying Canadian products and traveling to the Canadian Provinces until the barbaric, senseless slaughter of harp seals is stopped. Maybe if we stopped overfishing in our oceans and allow the fish populations to rebound than there would be less blame placed upon wild animals. It amazes me that before humans started to exploit natural resources there were no problems with overpopulation or overpredation in the ecosystem. Once man steps in and “rapes” the Earth of all its resources, then there is a problem. It has always been easier to place the blame on someone or something else than to look at our spending/consumption habits and change things that way. The seal massacre supporters sound just like the supporters of aerial shooting of Alaskan wolves. Be a real human being and realize that man’s overconsumptive and exploitive habits are the main cause of reduced fish populations, etc.

On April 12, 2006, Patty K. wrote:

I will continue my boycott of anything Canadian. Even though I live only 3 hours from the Canadian border, I would never vacation there due to their refusal to stop killing seals. I also educate my friends, relatives and acquaintances about the seal slaughter (I omit the word hunt-this is not a hunt it is a massacre of baby seals in the name of greed).

I totally agree with upping the ante against Canada - petition signing and letter writing has not stopped the insanity of the criminals perpetrating the killing. Reminder: check the labels on many of the pet products you buy…many are from Canada (eg., kitty litter, grass for cats).

On April 12, 2006, Richard S. Riggs wrote:

I haven’t visited Canada in many years because of their seal killing. This is a terrible practice. I can’t believe how any civilized people can do this.

On April 12, 2006, Kathleen Perry wrote:

Scary to think what this world will be like in 100 years…we are killing precious living creatures like the little seals, we chop down the forests, we pollute, we are destroying the beauty of Earth. Please, please let’s begin to make changes by ending the terror of precious baby seals.

On April 12, 2006, Stephanie Ingersoll wrote:

Please stop this unneccessary killing. We can make a living in other less harmful and hurtful ways. Don’t visit CANADA - they do not work with us.

On April 12, 2006, Carol Koeneke wrote:

I feel as I always have that the seal hunting of seals should stop and NOW!!! We plan to never come to Canada as long as this is going on. We mean this!!! What a cruel thing to do for a supposedly civilized country as you say you have. Carol Koeneke

On April 12, 2006, Reverend Katherine Alexander wrote:

Canada needs our tourist/consumer dollars…..with hold them until they stop .

On April 12, 2006, MK wrote:

The best way to encourage the general population to voice opposition and act to stop this horrid practice is to mount a visual and auditory campaign. How ANYONE could view the actual murder-by-clubbing and NOT oppose this act by action speaks directly to man’s inhumanity, ambivalence and greed. Once a person looks into those soulful baby eyes AND hears their cries, the emotion evoked should stir even the dead. Sadly, those who could easily end this murder MUST be dead to all but the almighty dollar and misguided tradition.
How (human) it is to club one of these truly totally defenseless babies to death!

On April 12, 2006, michele macKenzie wrote:

I go to canada every other year of vacation. I am sorry it took me so long to realize I should have boycoted visiting there long before this. It is horrible that you still allow this monsterous seal killing. I also used to buy boots and my jackets “made in canada” I will also stop purchasing anything made in canada, just like I buy NOTHING made in china, until the seal hunts no longer exist………………

On April 12, 2006, Lisa Tarbet wrote:

The greed of a large part of the huan race never ceases to amaze me! How anyone with half a brain and thought process can stand there and beat a precious baby seal over the head, hearing it scream in agony, crying for it’s Momma, and live with themselves is way beyond me! How in the world do they look at themselves in the mirror?
I for one now look at labels very closely to make sure any product I buy is no made in that barbaric ice hearted place. It all boils down to simply greed for the money they make over the coats of those babies! How sickening.

Mankind seems to have this suicide mission by killing everything on this earth! Everything. OUr wild animals, out domesticated animals, our trees, naturla resources, man, I could go on and on! No wonder God hasn’t destroyed the human race again because we are doing it ourselves this time!

On April 12, 2006, Susan wrote:

When I look into the eyes of any animal, including these precious baby harp seals and their moms, I remember that their innate, Creator-given innocence can never be killed off. And neither can our own, though many of us do a thorough job of obscuring our innocence with heartlessness. I’m on board the boycott of Canada, underlining my actions with a powerful prayer of spiritual protest against the seeming might of evil. A quote I like from the book Science and Health reads: “Innocence and Truth overcome guilt and error.” This assures me that right (right thinking, right feeling, right acting) always rules in the long run.

On April 12, 2006, Angie wrote:

Would you want someone doing that to your pet OR your child OR your grandchild? There’s no difference…they are living breathing matter. They feel, they think, they hurt. How can any of you politically correct … go along with this abomination, sleep easy at nite, think nothing of it yet scowl at the news when you hear of Pedophiles preying on helpless children or young kids and teenagers being shot and murdered every day? What is it that you think you know? Do you have selective emotions? You turn it on and off at will?! We’re not all bleeding hearts. We just know right from wrong! And you use excuses to murder deer and wildlife cos they’re overpopulating…well STOP crowding them out of their world by burying civilization in new condos and developments. Where else are these animals to go? What would (we) do if we were suddenly chased out of the only world and safe have WE know? It’s survival. And man is supposed to be the Intelligent being?? You could’ve fooled me! No wonder our world is falling apart all around us! …

We slaughter animals because it’s convenient. Just remember you Reep what you sow!

On April 12, 2006, MARY LEARN wrote:

GOOD DAY.

I LIVE IN CANADA A DO NOT SUPPORT OR BUY ANYTHING CANADAIAN. I READ ALL LABELS AND MAKE SURE IT’S NOT FROM CANADA. THIS SEAL HUNT IF FOR MONEY ONLY. NORWAY NEEDS TO STOP BUYING THE PELTS AS WELL. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND MOST OF THE PELTS GO TO THEM. IT IS ONE THING FOR FOOD. AND ONLY FOOD. LIKE OUR ANCESTORS DID. THEY DID NOT HAVE A CORNER STORE TO BUY FOOD FROM SO THEY HAD TO HUNT TO SURVIVE. BUT WHEN IT IS ONLY FOR PROFIT, THIS MAKES ME SICK. WHEN WILL OUR GOVERNMENT WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE. THIS IS MORE MONEY IN TOURISM THAN KILLING FOR MONEY.

AS A CANADIAN, I HOPE THIS BOYCOTT CONTINUES UNTIL THIS HUNT STOPS.

MARY

On April 12, 2006, Peter wrote:

Hi,

So I am a little confused as to why boycotting Canada is a useful measure in this case. To be consistent and boycott every country which has animal rights issues, would we not have to never go anywhere? do or buy anything? It seems that for some reason seals, because they are cute or whatever, have been given priority over the other billion + farm animals who are slaughtered every year, all over the world. ..

[Blog editors’ note: Please do consider ordering Friends of Animals’ new cookbook, Dining With Friends: The Art of North American Vegan Cuisine — availble on our Web site. Then know that the peak of tourism season in Canada starts in June, and your plans to honor a travel boycott are in solidarity with animal rights — and the economic push to persuade Canada’s residents that seals are neither resources nor commodities. No matter how many seals are killed, it’s immoral. FoA opposes the slaughter for the death and suffering it imposes on every single seal. ]

On April 12, 2006, Bernice Dalby wrote:

I travelled to Canada last year with Elderhostel. Had I known then of the atrocities being committed against these baby harp seals, I never would have talked my husband into going. Canada is lovely, but not at the cost of these merciless killings. In reading all the emails, I so agree with the comments. Where are the hearts of people who can do this and not think anything of it. I cringed and cried when I read some of these comments regarding the torturous, murderous, vile manner in which some people get their “kicks”.
Were we not given a heart to love all mankind and our animals? Also, the same applies to the senseless killings of our wolves in Alaska. We must work to put a stop to this.

On April 12, 2006, Aleta Sanford wrote:

I will never step foot on Canadian ground. I refuse to contribute to a country that takes pride in the slaughter of thousands of innocent animals.

On April 12, 2006, cathie avery wrote:

i say that seal hunting is the cruelist form of hunting would the hunters like it if someone came up behind them and clubbed them real hard i don’t think so and they don’t need to hurt my harp seals they need to leave my seals alone

On April 12, 2006, Matos wrote:

Oh snap! I really was planning to go to the Olymics up there. Canada, there is still time to redeem yourself. STOP THE KILLING NOW and REPENT!!! OK, maybe then I’ll go…

On April 12, 2006, Dena Panissidi wrote:

I can’t believe the government is allowing this to go on!!!!! These seals are hurting, confused and scared we are not suppose to allow people to do this!! We where not put on this earth to hurt animals or people this is SICKENING!!!! There is no reason to kill these innocent seals, the fur is not that important I don’t care how much someone is making off these animals, how would these people feel if these where there children, and we needed their skin so we could clone someone. My question is how much is the Canadian governement making off this killing? How can you look at these seals in there eyes and then bash there heads, not only to skin them but skin them when there still alive. We NEED to end this and END it at ONCE!!!!!!!!!!

On April 12, 2006, Kelly Garbato wrote:

My family plans on boycotting Canadian products as well as the Canadian tourism industry until this cruel and barbaric process is banned permanently. If ethics don’t spur you into action, perhaps economics will.

On April 12, 2006, KymRalston wrote:

Canada, your light is now out as a vacation place for me, it has been for 23 years, I went to your country during summers with my Grandparents, it’s beautiful country. But when I learned of your disgusting secret…seal slaughter…I won’t go. I now know that your government was offered 16 million by the CEO of Prai Beauty. That’s 2 million more than what you say that’s lost to fishing families. It’s distribution is at the goverments discrection. Canada has REFUSED that money. Why?

On April 12, 2006, msnelson wrote:

how can you look in the eyes of anything and kill it. all life is life.

On April 12, 2006, Christine Cyriacks wrote:

I’ve been there twice… but now you couldn’t pay me to go there!

On April 12, 2006, Katherine Ryan wrote:

Anyone who trys to justify the slaughter of the baby seals in Canada is just plain out of their mind!!! There is no justification for slaughtering an animal for any reason, especially for some person’s greed!!! Kill a baby seal so you can wear a freaking coat or stuff your own face! It is outrageous and every decent human being should boycot Canadian anything!!! The good people of the world need to stop this inhumane act once and for all. There can not be any justification for killing a baby of any kind or any animal ESPECIALLY if they are conscious to feel the unthinkable pain that so many are reported feeling. The Canadians need to get with the 21st century and find humane ways to clothe and feed. Cave man days are over!

On April 12, 2006, Katherine Ryan wrote:

one more thing. Anyone who tries to justify that there is enough of any species to slaughter is out of their minds as well!! That’s a really nice thing to say for a decent human being to say. We the humane race probably have the largest number to spare and we don’t go around slaughtering our own and we probably have the largest of unmanaged pests and we still don’t. We have a hard time sending confessed murderes to their death. Inhumane is inhumane no matter how you slice it. Anyone who can sleep justifying a baby seal or any animal being slaughtered inhumanely is crazy. How would they like to be clubbed and skinned or their own children clubbed and skinned in front of them. The fact that the Canadians do this and the rest of the world sits back and watches shows the human race is a failure!.

On April 12, 2006, Tim wrote:

This boycott of Canadian Tourism will fail as miserably as the seafood boycott did. With an annual revenue of 52 Billion I think we can make it through. 90% of New foundland hunters use rifles so I don’t know whats with all this clubbing stuff. Canada doesn’t care what America thinks, when we ask for the USAs opinion we ask for it. You guys have such a problem with the seal hunt, but the US has capital punishment. Pardon my French but I value the life of a human over that of a seal. Hey america stop capital punishment.

On April 12, 2006, PO wrote:

If the Norwegians are part of this why not do something about them? They are for the kill as well!! Per above, they are buying the pelts???

[Blog editors’note: There are seal fur markets in Europe, Asia, inside Canada, Norway., Greenland, and more. People should refuse to wear all fur.

On April 12, 2006, Becki Lott wrote:

You know it’s wrong. There’s really nothing more to say. Murder is murder.

On April 12, 2006, Katherine Ryan wrote:

I don’t think anyone , supporting the baby seals, cares about what a Canadian , who does, thinks

On April 12, 2006, daphne glenn wrote:

Stop being selfish and money hungry and killing the innocent animals!

On April 12, 2006, Cheryl Kline wrote:

My husband and I have visited beautiful Victoria several times and had planned a trip this summer. Until Canada halts the horrific seal hunt we will unfortunately be forced to postpone our visits to your country. There are many things about your country that we love, but this one issue is so hideous that we will do whatever is in our power to make it end. Please show the world that money should not win out over compassion.

Sincerely yours,

Cheryl Kline

On April 12, 2006, Elaine Woodriff wrote:

Stop the seal hunt!!

On April 13, 2006, Niki wrote:

I think it’s sick that people can do any kind of harm to any living ( being) . How do they sleep at night?

On April 13, 2006, Niki wrote:

I think it’s disturbing. How can someone look into the eyes of this fragile animal and kill it? I never wore fur and never will!!! This is disgusting. Sick, Sick people…

On April 13, 2006, Diane Melanson wrote:

Pease stop! Please!

On April 13, 2006, P-Daddy wrote:

“Don’t punish the many for the sins of the few!”-I am a long-time Friends of Animals
supporter and I agree the entire seal hunt issue needs to be changed; but my two children live in Canada, and I intend to visit with them during my April school vacation week!

Do what you can in your own communities, don’t bash the entire country, please!

[Blog editors’ note: Thank you for your support. If the kids can’t be sent to you, please know that a tourism boycott of Canada is in force to inspire peace and justice for seals, and a halt to an immoral slaughter. Perhaps the Canadian government understands capitalism best, so the international protest delivers an economic boycott during Canada’s peak travel months — June - September. ]

On April 13, 2006, Peter wrote:

“Then know that the peak of tourism season in Canada starts in June, and your plans to honor a travel boycott are in solidarity with animal rights…”

Sorry, I don’t think that the above was an answer to my question at all, actually I think it is evidence for precisely what I was advocating. I understand that killing seals is immoral, I am not arguing with that at all. What I am arguing against is that the boycott will do anything whatsoever, and that it is sending the wrong message. What FoA seems to advocate with this campaign is “don’t worry about all the other farm animals worldwide who are slaughtered, worry about the seals, they are innocent and cute.” I don’t understand why the seal hunt gets more publicity than other injustices. What this type of activism seems to do is perpetuate the mentality that other animals are OK to kill, torture, maim, etc., but that we ought not to do this to animals which are cute, endangered, majestic etc. I agree that we ought not to kill seals, but I don’t agree that seals have some sort of priority over other animals, that seems quite absurd (and furthermore, if we are going to set priorities, we ought not to set them in accord with aesthetic virtues). Thus, it seems we sacrifice progressive activism for publicity stunts, which seems to be what the “animal rights” movement has constantly done, though I thought that this sort of simple-mindedness was indicative of PETA, not FoA. (BTW boycotting Canada doesn’t work for Canadian residents, which includes me)

[Blog editors’ note: Friends of Animals is not making seals a priority over other animals. In fact, Friends of Animals vocally opposes the so-called “seafood” boycott for that very reason. As a vegetarian organization Friends of Animals has consistently worked to oppose the breeding of animals for human consumption, urging the public to “Spare an animal, Eat a vegetable.” Opposing the seal hunt is part of Friends of Animals overall vegan-centered mission to free animals from cruelty and institutional exploitation around the world. Friends of Animals does not see this as either/or. It is possible to work to end both the slaughter of seals and the breeding of animals for slaughter.

Obviously Canadian residents have other options available for influencing their own government, and we encourage them to take advantage of those options. The travel boycott is meant to empower the international community whose options are limited by comparison.]

On April 13, 2006, Annie wrote:

First off, let’s stop calling this a hunt; it’s not.
It’s slaughter plain and simple.

Each day Canada does nothing to end this madness brings more comdemnation from the rest of the world.

BTW: To the person who suggests we should “Get a real job and start contributing to Canada”, we have real jobs and we WILL NOT CONTRIBUTE ANYTHING TO CANADA until this slaughter has ended!

On April 13, 2006, Marla wrote:

As a Green Party member I appreciate the push for sustainable practices in labor and environmental activities. I do not support the culling of seals and therefore will also boycott Canada and its products.

On April 13, 2006, Stefani Kruczkiewicz wrote:

Boycott Canada until they put an end to this barbaric seal hunt! it breaks my heart everytime this time of year comes around and the seal hunt begins. yesterday (4/12/06) the kill quota was 234,000 seals!! that is a disgusting amount of babies that have died in this hunt in ONE DAY!! Please, please boycott Canada….they need to stop this hunt! it is one of the worse massacres of animals i have ever heard of. these baby harp seals are just that, babies, some of them only 3 weeks old…this is horrible! it must stop now!! leave the seals alone to live in peace free from being murdered like this. thank you.

On April 13, 2006, Norma Goodrich wrote:

Boycot Canada until stopping killing the baby seal.
Stop this barbarie!!

On April 13, 2006, Norma Goodrich wrote:

Boycott Canada until (they) stop killing the baby seals.
Stop this barbarie!!

On April 14, 2006, Tim wrote:

Why can’t you people see what is right in front of your eyes…

Over 300,000 people have been killed in the Darfur regeion of sudan. In a much more barbaric way then these seals have. Out of the blue raiders come with machetes and guns. First they kill the men and fathers then the mothers, then they make the kids march all the way to Northern Sudan to be slaves for the rest of their lives. Not to mention all the refugees. You guys turn the other way and look at a couple of fisher man trying to make a living.

You guys complain about how the department of fisheries refused 16 million to buy back fishing licenses. If you took a step back and looked at the problem you would see that it is impossible for the money to be accepted. Everyone with a fishing licence would have to give it up. What if they didn’t want to? Are you gonna force them? If you do your breaking the law.

What about the Inuit who have been doing this for 1000s of years. Are you going to tell them to stop to? Even though it was had no environmental impact. Many still need to do this for food. If you say that they can still do it then you are discriminating against white fisherman. Polar bears do this too as well you know.

I don’t tell you guys to stop being vegatarines. What gives you guys the right to tell me I shouldn’t hunt. I don’t hunt seal but I hunt other stuff. You live in a different part of the world, you have no right to make me change my ways.
Not only that your site is incorrect. The cute baby seal that is shown on the “Take action” tab of the screen, wouldn’t be killed. It has a white coat, only the grey coats are killed, so technically babies arn’t killed.

What i’m getting at is don’t tell me how to live my life, I don’t tell you how to live yours.

[ Blog editors’ note: Technically, babies are killed. Babies are 12 days old and three weeks old. We live in such a violent culture; all attempts to bring an end this to miserable commercial slaughter should be advanced. The Canadian government should stop bolstering its annual killing of seals, and quit spending taxpayers’ monies to market those seal skins. If consumers would shun fur, that would change the world, and extend respect to many animals who help keep the earth alive.

As a major economic power, Canada has an oblogation to find alternative livelihooods for residents in econmically depressed areas like Newfoundland. They should get started now. The seals don’t belong to anyone but themselves.]

On April 15, 2006, KinK Star wrote:

It’s time for change. Learn a different way to live and make money to save these innocent animals from slaughter! Change is good, especially when it’s the right thing to do …

On April 15, 2006, Peter G. wrote:

I am a long time “Friend of Animals”; but I must take exception to your latest posting.
Canadian kids and people of conscience are doing the best they can up North for all the

rights of animals, including the seal hunt issue. My two children live in Ontario and we

come up @ every 1-2 months to visit. Please don’t ask people to “Boycott Canada”.

Canada is a beautiful, caring country, full of bright young people who care about the whole world! Remember; “act locally, think globally?”; we’re all doing what we can!-Peter G.

[Blog editors’ note: Many Canadian residents welcome the interventions and travel boycott as the target for criticism is the Canadian government — not the people. May all of the caring and economic pressure get through to the politicians.]

On April 15, 2006, Dan G. wrote:

Oh and one other thing. Boycott all you want. Let’s see you boycott our oil once the Arabs have had enough of you. The boycott should go over real well once Americas’ fresh water supply is irrepairably polluted. Maybe you all should tear your houses down and remove all that offensive Canadian lumber too.

…and a tourism boycott? Like we don’t have enough liberal, rice cake eating, knee jerk acting morons up here already! Just remember, this is probably the only tourist region left in the world where the hunting and killing of innocent Americans (of any age) is frowned upon. Go ahead…you can always travel to some more tropical locale like, say, Venezuela.

Now shut up and buy a fur coat.

On April 15, 2006, Julie wrote:

I just can’t imagine how these human beings can kill a baby seal. Maybe they should go out & hunt each other.. now that sounds like it might be fun for these blood thirsty homo sapien knuckle scrapers!

On April 16, 2006, Eric Karanjawala wrote:

Stop the seal hunt you coward. What if your own kids were slaughtered? Will never go to Canada.
Eric.

On April 16, 2006, Bill Zodanga wrote:

I am disgusted by Canada and fully support the boycott. Not only will I not buy Canadian seafood but I will also not visit there nor buy products labeled “Made in Canada”. Their whole economy needs to feel the impact because just boycotting seafood doesn’t seem to be getting their attention. I was so hopeful that the new Canadian PM would put a stop to this slaughter but he doesn’t seem to care one bit. I would expect to see millions of Canadians out in the streets protesting this but it seems they don’t care.

On April 16, 2006, Tim wrote:

How is it cowardly to make a living? People who hunt seal arn’t doing for the money, they are doing for survival. They are barely getting by as it is.

If you think that it is for greed, you don’t know anything about this issue and are nothing but an iggnorant teenager. So don’t bother saying it.

Like I said before 300,000 people(not seals) killed in Sudan. Try helping them out for a change.

[Blog editors’ note: Not sure the Sundanese consider Tim their mentor, or that he has much of a lead to follow. Tim surmises a human rights tragedy should eliminate the issue of whether Canada has an obligation to provide livelihoods for humans living in the most impoverished region of Canda. Wrong; it doesn’t. ]

On April 16, 2006, robin wrote:

THESE MURDERERS THAT ARE KILLING THESE ANIMALS…. I WOULD NEVER EVER GO TO CANADA. HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF IT WAS YOUR KIDS????

On April 17, 2006, sherry wrote:

i wish they would stop why do you have to kill them they arent harming you or anyone else how would you like it if they hunted you down YOU wouldnt would you LEAVE them alone

On April 19, 2006, dave wrote:

let me see if i have this right, newfoundland was offered 16 mill.to axe the seal hunt and rejected it. they only bring in 14 mill. from the hunt,thats a 2 mill. profit for doing nothing,what are they stupid.now they say its conservation to justify the hunt. give me a break,i read tristans letter, i have stepped in less bull. first off,i wouldn’t give them a cent,i would tell them to go get an education and a real job like the rest of the world. sounds more like they enjoy this satanic ritual and it has nothing to do with survival.maybe with some luck,global warming will do some good and take these sealers out to sea for good,never to be heard from again.if i believed that, i would go out and burn leaves,start my truck and smoke alot. i am sure if there so worried about there fish being eaten all up, they could come up with a better way than clubbing in a seals scull and skinning it.and as far as the fur is concerned, only ugly people wear fur,it would be cheaper just to put a bag on there head. as you can tell, they get no sympathy from me.if this act is so humane as some dummies would like us to believe,why do they keep the public and media away when they do it. and don’t say its to windy and snowing, if a sealer can get in there,so can a camera.who cares how much money the sealers lose anyway,if this is the way you found to make a living,then you should be the one being clubbed.and just how much money are they taking away from the people of canada just so they can do this dumb hunt. why don’t they just go join up with those knuckle heads in alaska who want to kill all the wolves and let them club each other, then everybody will be happy. yes, theer are real major problems going on in the world, but these two slaughters are easily solved by just leaving these animals alone and stop attracting national attention. the justifications for both hunts hold no merit.

On April 23, 2006, melissa wrote:

I just can’t imagine how these human beings can kill something as helpless and innocent as a baby seal, it makes me sick to think of it. please stop this barbaric and senseless hunt.

On April 25, 2006, Chris wrote:

It is hard to imagine that as advanced and superior as the human race is supposed to be, that it still continues to practice such barbaric acts. The fact that this has been done for hundreds of years does not make it a valid reason to continue. It is disgusting, immoral, inhumane and just plain cruel. How can anyone call this a hunt? Walking up to an animal that has no way to escape and clubbing it to death. That must take a real man!! These rednecks need to go back to their double-wide trailers and have another beer and leave these creatures alone. And yes, I feel the same way about the deer, wolves, minks, foxes etc. We do not have the right to destroy just because we can. The only good I can see about any of this is that there are other good people in the world that feel the same sadness and compassion. May each and every one of those who are fighting for these precious creatures be blessed. We must stand together and boycott everything Canadian. We need to let the restaurants, grocery stores, department stores etc. know that we will not only boycott Canadian products but we will boycott the establishments who continue to buy Canadian while the seals die. It is amazing how many others feel the same once you let them know what is happening. Somehow, Canada has managed to keep the seal hunts out of the spotlight for a long time. I think their time has come. I, for one, may never buy Canadian again. We can make a difference if we continue to stand together and not forget when the hunts end this year. I would like to know what the boycott has cost the Canadian government so far. I know as of a few weeks before the start of the seal hunts that Canada had already lost about 150 million. Compare that to the 16 million the pelts bring it. Are they just trying to prove a point? I guess they don’t mind destroying their economy in the process. Thanks to all for what you are doing for the seals.

On April 27, 2006, Gail wrote:

The Canadian government constantly whines about how the poor hunters need food for their children,this is their livelihood.Go to Iraq and build up their country…You really have to be mentally ill to harm any precious animal..
It is disturbing,I have no idea how they sleep at night as the shut their eyes to go to sleep and see the blood and the suffering of those seal pups.This is unbelievable and sickening..In this day and age we should be one with the planet not harming the children and animals that live on it..The Canadian governement and other governments as well,STOP OVER FISHING!!!

…I have been on the ice with the Seals in 1990,and it was awesome beauty and the Canadian turns this into a blood bath

On April 27, 2006, JJ wrote:

The only mentally ill one is you gail if you fail see whats right in front of you.
I am more offended by some of the comments that are being thrown around here, then the seal hunt itself. The seal hunt isn’t anything new and it is here to stay. The main reason you hate the seal hunt so much is because innocent animals die. I’ve got news for you, animals kill innocent seals all the time. Nature kills innocent seals all the time, do me a favour and boycott nature for its cruel treatment of seals.

Stop overfishing….are you crazy, who do you think you are telling fisherman how to do there job.

[Blog editors’ note: Violence isn’t new, it’s a ritual and nothing about which to boast. Leave nature out of it, JJ, there are no moral distinctions to impose on polar bears, and stop defending a ghastly fur industry that should be buried.

On May 22, 2006, PO wrote:

Find it very interesting but i have been seeing alot of advertisements on Canada. Come visit Canada type ads. Air Canada may be behind it but still it seems like they are trying to get people there. I hope people stay away from Canada forever if the seal hunt continues.

On November 9, 2006, carina wrote:

Norway and Canada have a new kind of tourism. Killing baby seals. They call it a Sport. How can I help to stop the sport? I have a myspace account, and a lot of people would like to know what is going on. I hope you can help. I didn’t know who to ask for help. Thank you
I’m a big animal lover, and so are my friends, but a lot of my friends and there friend are posting bulletins about the baby seals, but do not know how to help stop the sport.

On February 13, 2007, Aml wrote:

im sorry to say i live in Canada… and i am sorry to say i do buy canadian products. but please be thankful that im trying to stop this i was reading the notes u have put and it brings me to tears!how poeple can go out there and hurt baby seals i am doing a purswasive essay for school on clubbing of baby seals . I WANT IT TO STOP NOW! but i will need more info so if u no any important facts plz lv them and i will use them in my debates i hope in the future wen i am older or even naw i will debate a profesional even tho im not even 16. i hope that u all support me in this my teacher supports me so much and i thank him he is a vegitarian and my class mates also think this is wrong. to all the people who do go out and club seals and hook them to boats and dragg them along and skin them without even checking to see if they are alive shame on you that is crule u should stop now you are all just greedy find something eles to do they are helpless seals dnt think i mean just babyseals but also any seal big or small plz just stop for the youths sake you are supose to be setting an example not by going out and showing us that hurting animals is ok because it isnt. STOP ANIMAL CRUELTY!!!
Aml

On March 24, 2007, CanadianGirl wrote:

Get a life people! It is only 1 province in Canada that participates in the whole seal hunt….not all of them…..if one of your states did something you didn’t like, would you boycott everything in the US?

On October 17, 2007, jennifer wrote:

i am only 11 and this makes me cry :[
animals r our friends.

would u like it if that has happened to you?

what have this earth come to .

its probibly the end of the world soon .

and u actually call that a freakin sport!?!?!

omg!!

i can’t even explain how i feel .

hurting animals for your own pleasures?

do they really call thenselves sportsman?

DO U REALLY CALL THIS A SPORT??

THERE JUST DEFENSELESS CUTE LITTLE ANIMALS

what gives them the right to no that to them isnt this illegal??

On December 13, 2009, paul j arsenault wrote:

I STARTED A STOP THE SEAL HUNT FACEBOOK GROUP I LIVE ON THE EAST COAST OF CANADA WHERE IT TAKES PLACE…IT’S RATHER DIFFICULT TO LIVE HERE AT TIMES WITH LOCAL FISHERMEN SAYING THERE PIECE TO ME BUT HEY IF THOSE SEALS CAN STAND A CHANCE WITH A VOICE I’M IN..WISH ME LUCK.