Photos from the 2006 International Day of Protest Against Canada's Seal Hunt

On March 16, 2006, Patricia Traub wrote:

I wanted to express my deep appreciation for your driven dedication to end the seal hunts in Canada. I saw my first images of the horrific clubings of young pups on national TV in 1969. Since that time I have been involved in animal conservation efforts. You think in the 21st centuary our need to kill other species would have ended. We should be stewards of other living things and stop the killings.
You have my support and I shall continue to have others visit your website to stay aware.

Artist/painter

Patricia Traub

On March 16, 2006, Linda Camac wrote:

I am appauled and disheartened that after all of my adult life we still have to protest the seal slaughter. Almost no one can plead ignorance to this atrocity - so why would any human want to wear seal fur (or any fur for that matter). Thank you for trying to wake up the apathetic and turn around the cruel among us. I think all fur is wrong, of course, but in the wearing of seal fur - I think one of the issues is that labeling for fur is unclear or not at all, and white seal fur is often dyed and people who wouldn’t wear seal fur are ignorantly wearing it. There is a house bill, as you know, HR 4904 which demands truth in labeling fur pelts and I would amend that to say the label should include how the fur bearing animal met his/her death, ie skinning alive, electrocution, gassing, bludgeoning, etc - the consumer HAS a right to know and an obligation to know. Thank you. Linda

On March 16, 2006, Michelle M.C. Melvin wrote:

AWESOME job everyone !! Let’s keep the prayers going for our wee friends of nature.!!!

On March 16, 2006, MARY LEARN wrote:

Hi there. I live in Canada (Niagara Falls) and I am sick of this hunt going on. Please everybody boycott all Canadian. I’m with you!! This has to stop. It is inhumane and cruel. They do it for profit. Even though they say if is for food. Why are they selling the fur for boots and purses? We are no better then China and Korea with the slaughter of dogs and cats. And believe me their own people in China and Kkorea are sick of the treatment of these blessed beings in their own country.

I support this boycott and I live here!!

Mary Learn

On March 16, 2006, cathie avery wrote:

seals any kind of seals are sweet loving animals well mammals that need to be left alone and not hunted for their furr hunters need to just leave them all alone and if they do try hunting my seals they need to be arrested and brought up on big time charges

On March 16, 2006, mark durkin wrote:

your continued rantings objecting to our seal hunt have fallen on deaf ears here in canada.we simply do not care what europeans and left wing pinkos in the usa have to say about it-forgive us for valuing the life of innocent human beings over a stupid seal pup that will grow to become a fat,ugly,fish inhaling nuisance.how about u limees protest your countries brutal beatings of young iraqi pre-teens instead?incidentally,we have just increased the quota to allow the hunting of 335,000 of the stinking beasts.take that!

[Blog editors’ note: How charming. Reminds one of a few others who display such bravado and ignorance here over hammering wolves and everythng else that moves.

On March 16, 2006, Trisha Chiaramonte wrote:

How sad. It must take a “real man” to stand over a small defenseless animal and beat it to death with a club. To distroy such a beautiful creature in such a barbaric way, again I say How Sad. I wonder how they can lay their head on their pillows at night and sleep. They should remember the look in the eyes of those baby seals just before they kill them. Maybe that will touch their heart if they have one.

On March 16, 2006, Marcela Donato wrote:

I live in Canada and I have written more letters to the Prime Minister, MP, Minister of Fisheries, newspapers than I can count. Nothing will change. The government does not listen to its people. The only thing that will end this brutality is if the fishing and tourism industries get hit really hard. Money talks so I ask everyone to boycott Canadian tourism and spread the message to everyone you know. The seals thank you!

[ Blog editors’ note: We do encourage a foreign tourism boycott to put pressure on the government — the driving force behind the slaughter. At also implore Canadians to organize large demonstrations outside government offices and fur salons. That helps drive the message home when politicians connect organized resistance to their political futures.

On March 16, 2006, Marcela Donato wrote:

Mark Durkin, you must be from Newfoundland, where else in Canada do they breed such ignorant, heartless excuses for human beings? It wouldn’t surprise me if you are a seal clubber yourself therefore your opinion means nothing . Canadian soldiers have their own share of beatings, so go back to your shell.

I am a Canadian and want everyone here to know Durkin is one of the few barbarians still existing in this country. The rest of us are civilized, educated, compassionate and humane. Thank you.

On March 16, 2006, Teresa Adele Bettino wrote:

I have continued to feel outraged by the murder of seals and have sent an e-mail to the Prime Minister explaining that I will not visit Canada with my family until this horrible practice stops. I also will not eat any fish coming from Canada. We must ban together to strongly voice our outrage at this gross injustice.

[Blog editors’ note: Thank you, Teresa. We don’t advocate eating any fish at all. A foreign tourism boycott is the best focus and a vegetarian diet respects the world’s oceans and all animals.

On March 16, 2006, sandi wrote:

I cannot believe how barbaric these human predators are! In addition, we must try to prevent the fashion industry from influencing the public to buy seal furs.

On March 16, 2006, Marcela Donato wrote:

I just wanted to add that we also need to focus our attention and outrage at those who buy the seal products, such as pelts, penises, Omega 3 tablets, etc. The buyers are Norway, Russia and China. I wrote to the embassies and governments of these countries and told them that their citizens have as much blood in their hands as the seal clubbers. I believe the world should flood them with e-mails of outrage and also boycott tourism to these countries for directly supporting the carnage on Canada’s ice floes.
The math is simple: no demand for seal products= no seal hunt.

On March 16, 2006, virginia robertson wrote:

This is one of the most barbaric things that I have ever heard of. Please stop this terrible clubbing of seals.

On March 16, 2006, Amy wrote:

how sad the Canadian government, once again, chooses not to recognize the outcry from the world on this day after an international vigil to stop the hunt that has galvanized so many of us to stop it. the announcement today from the Canadian DFO is an abomination, a horrific act of disrepect to nature and those who endeavor to protect the environment and all its living creatures. Increasing the quota to allow more animals to perish is unconscionable. And what about those individuals that wield the instruments of death? What conscience allows you to face your mirrors without responsibility, guilt and remorse? what saddens me so is that those who partake in this miserable excuse for a livlihood wiil never read the words written here by those of us who feel so passionately about this cause. It is heartbreaking beyond my capacity to express it. tonight i feel broken and disheartened…a few short days away so many will die not for food or survival but for vanity and self indulgence. how do we find the way to change that course? Educate your family, friends, co-workers, anyone who will listen.

On March 17, 2006, colleen o'brien wrote:

the seal hunt protest was head up in vancouver by Ashley Fruno telephone: 604-230-2837.
ashleyfruno@hotmail.com

Liberation BC

vancouver, b.c. canada

considering that the seal hunt is the largest slaughter of marine mammals on the planet, the turnout of sixty some odd people in vancouver bc canada, home of the 2010 winter games, just goes to show you, the home of the 2010 winter games is not the nice city that they pretend to be. nature et al……

pray tell, how could only 60 people show up.

On March 17, 2006, Mike wrote:

It’s a sad thing when man has to kill a creature that God has put on our earth for us to enjoy, not for killing in a in-humane manner.

On March 17, 2006, Rudy wrote:

I wanted to express my deep appreciation for your driven dedication to end the seal hunts in Canada.Also for the wolves who are the next victims???????greets from Belgium,Rudy

On March 17, 2006, Carol Koeneke wrote:

I think the seal hunt should be banned and why is Canada which is supposed to be a civilized country, going for this horrendous CRIME???? Please see that this is stopped and NOW!!!!

On March 17, 2006, Mirella Lupo wrote:

I live in Canada and I’m embarrassed to be a Canadian. What right do we have to act so cruely toward seals or any other creature who live here? what example are we setting to people of other Nations?to children? what are we teaching our children? we are demonstrating that Canadians lack respect, compassion and intelligence toward our country and all living creatures who call Canada their home. If we were intelligent, we would preserve our valuable wildlife and not destroy the beautiful nature and creatures that surrounds us.

On March 17, 2006, Michael Tomassi wrote:

It is hard for me to even read anything about this. The pictures are the worst!! I just see the mother seals screaming and trying to save they’re little babies to no avail!! The government is to blame!! I will not ever go to Canada and I will always make sure my opinion of the government is known!! Imagine a human mother standing over her baby while a hoodlum beats it do death with a club!! How can people do this!! Maybe the higher authority will help like last year and bring on a blizzard so no one can do harm to these precious little lives!!

On March 17, 2006, Melva Avery wrote:

As a Canadian, I am shocked and appalled that such a barbaric enterprise as the seal hunt would continue in our society - we who pride ourselves on our good and just society!

Thanks to this web site, and to others who are selflessly lobbying against this inhumanity, I am going to write letters to my government and do whatever I can to stop this most distrubing slaughter of innocent lives.

I am also thankful that I am an Ontario resident, and not a Newfoundlander, as I would be ashamed to have such a Premier representing me - I already feel a certain degree of shame in simply being a Canadian, knowing that our country is allowing this decimation to continue.

On March 17, 2006, Gina Orban wrote:

What a horrifying sight to see one of those beautiful creatures having their heads bashed in !!! The image repulses me..

It’s amazing how quickly greed and money can turn a human being into a thoughtless killer. Have we not come up with enough less destructive ways to make money??!!! It’s frightening to think of just how long before everything beautiful and precious in this world is destroyed.

I will do whatever I can to support this cause and help stop these senseless killings.

One person can make a small difference, but together we can make a HUGE DIFFERENCE!!!

On March 17, 2006, Melissa Weinhaus wrote:

I wish that there were words in the English language that I could use to express my fury, frustration, and overwheling sadness that these innocent baby animals are being killed in the most horrific manner all in the name of money and vanity. All I can say is that when I see the images from the seal hunt I get that same gut-in-throat feeling that I do after hearing accounts of the Holocaust. I will do all I can to make people aware of this sickening slaughter. As we all know, apathy will get us nowhere.

Melissa Weinhaus

On March 17, 2006, Amy wrote:

I was at the protest on March 15th in New York. Yes, many came to support the cause but sadly many of the volunteers who tried valiantly to rally the cause were met with ignorance and indifference. In fact, I saw several women who passed in front of me wearing fur coats who did not even flinch at the message volunteers were trying to broadcast. Protesting is not enough. We must ban all things Canadian - no products, no tourism, no using their airlines…nothing that will bolster their economy until this insanity stops. NO ONE should be able to put their head down on a pillow to sleep at night during these hunting days when these poor souls are victimized so mercilessly. Talk to whomever you know, email anyone you know, spread the word any way you can. These little creatures have no voice other than ours to protect them…

On March 18, 2006, Patty wrote:

I cannot help but just shake my head at you people. It is clearly obvious to me that you are misinformed. Do you realize the great majority of seals are shot? You want to believe that archaic and savage hunters are out there blindly clubbing them at will, and that is not the case. I wonder why you people aren’t outraged with all the sportfishing…clubbing fish over the head, hooking them in the eye and later having it ripped out, and returning the fish to the water…hmmm….is it because they’re not “cute and cuddly?”

Were you also aware that the majority of “trophy” hunters that go to Northern Canada are Americans and that most often, those animals are injured before they die? You better get on the bandwagon about that too!!

You armchair warriors need to give your heads a shake.

[ Blog editors’ note: We’re aware that you, Patty from Alaska, have a lot of fuzz in your head. For starters, shooting seals damages their skins which are sold for fur, so seal-killers club the seal pups on the ice floes when they can not swim away. Your view of trophy hunters is also bizarre. And then you imagine Friends of Animals advances fishing tournaments, or some such thing. Wrong on all accounts. ]

On March 18, 2006, Randy Mangum wrote:

Bravo to each of you who have chosen to fight this horrible injustice to hummanity. Each of us will face GOD one day for our judgement, and may our FATHER in heaven have mercy on those who allow this criminal act to continue. Until that day comes for each of us, we are all EXPECTED to do what is right in the eyes of GOD. It must pain HIM to witness this shameful act on his animals. Boycott tourism and other products in Canada,.Don’t buy any seal products of any kind. Most of all, boycott the imports from Norway, Russia and China. Get ready to embarass Canada in 2010 as the world can witness what aweful leaders they have. Keep up the fight!

On March 18, 2006, Cheri Thomas wrote:

Alaskan’s that care need help! The Game Management here wants to expand the wolf kill program into the Mat-Su area. They would allow “hunters” to chase down wolves using snow machines. The wolf population in this area is only estimated to be about 30-40 wolves. This is an etremely low population in contrast in the size of the area and the wolves are already under stress by loss of habitat.

The reason they want to kill more wolves is for the sole purpose of making it easier for hunters to kill more moose. A wolf population that low would have virtually no impact on the moose population.

The moose population is down due to overhunting by humans, illegal hunting, loss of habitat and being hit by cars (over 200 moose are killed each year by vehicles in this area).

Alaskans voted “No” twice to these wolf kill programs, but our government (like so many others) seems to no longer work for “The People” and only listens to those businesses that give the most money to their campaigns.

The fact that there are so many other truly bad things happening here and around the county has put this issue pretty low on the list of things to worry about.

Over 200 wolves have been shot this winter.

{Blog editors’ note: Aerial hunters have shot more than 100 wolves. Others are blasted on the ground and trapped. It’s deplorable and then a glut of Alaskans who represent a minority press for more violence, and get a Board of Game to deliver it all. What a culture; what a disgrace.

On March 18, 2006, joseph thibeault wrote:

i was at the Boston rally. we must work on a boycott of Canada untill the big boat owners and their DFO bureaucratic allies are forced to give up this savage practice.the sealers have become the poster boy of Canada.the propaganda of the DFO shows where political power lies in Atlantic Canada, with those who control and benefit from federal subsidies.the seals are the sacrifial lamb of this evil souless fraternity.pray for guidance and work to bring an END to the slaughter of baby seals.

[Blog editors’ note: True, it’s a tourism boycott that will get the government’s full attention. New Englanders represent a high percentage of tourists to Canada. Please help spread the message.]

On March 18, 2006, DesiRee wrote:

I think it’s awful that they are killing these animals.

On March 19, 2006, Anne Stuart wrote:

Great job! I find this slaughter to be savage and incomprehensible, especially for Canada. And I am very willing to cease traveling to Canada. I know there are many Canadian citizens who would applaud the efforts of Friends of Animals, as well.

On March 19, 2006, J Wagler wrote:

I find this whole issue disheartening. Perhaps unexpectedly though, I am saddened by the overt propaganda generated by groups like yourselves. What concerns me most is the wholesale bias toward saving seals, when there is very little compassion shown to the men and women whose ability to provide for their families is threatened by these types of boycotts. I don’t pretend to have all the information as I am only an observer as yourselves. However, considering this protest is coming from New York, I imagine very few of the protesters have actually been to Canada’s East Coast, or even seen a real live seal for that matter.
The people involved in this seal hunt are not cold, hard murderers. What I take to be the more accurate scenario is that these are local people who make part of their living fishing. Now if you know anything about fishing you know that this is a dangerous and hard life. These people don’t live in downtown condos nor do they see their families everyday. All they are trying to do by taking part in the seal hunt is make some off-season money so they provide for their families. It may not be inherently obvious, but you can’t fish when the water is frozen. What are they to do should their ability to take part in this hunt be stopped? Will you provide the money for them to provide for their families in the fishing off-season? I suspect not. There simply aren’t thousands of jobs waiting to be filled in the East Coast of Canada. I’d imagine (and not to be disparaging to East Coast Canadians) that a job is better than no job. So please stop cluttering up our magazines and newspapers with this nonesense about the seal hunt. If you think it’s inhumane that’s fine, but keep your opinion to yourself. You aren’t educating people, you’re actually mis-educating many. Go live in Canada’s East Coast for a year (a full year, including the winter) and I guarantee you that your opinions will soften.

Additionally, my earlier comment about propaganda stands. To the best of my knowledge, the white seal pup so brazenly portrayed on everything you publish is a gross misrepresentation. The white-coated seal is a baby harp seal. Canada banned hunting white-coated harp seals in 1987 (look it up). The official word is that young harp seals lose their white coat after about 12 - 14 days, at which point they are fair game to hunters. Start putting those bulbous grey, adolescent harp seals on your posters and I’ll stop believing it’s propaganda. Prove me wrong.

P.S. I appreciate the “Blog Editor’s” attachment on the posts that grab the readers attention. It’s the shameless ability to respond when someone can’t return the favour that strikes me as noteworthy characteristic of this valuable organization.

[Blog editors’ note: First, you happen to be writing to the only advocacy group we know that will publish a comment like yours. Second, we are also the only one that has specifically and continuously insisted that the government of Canada support opportunity and the right to meaningful work for its coastal residents. Perhaps what you would disagree on is whether killing seals — once they are a mere two weeks old, no less — is meaningful work. We take a clear stand on this; it’s our job to do so. The president of this group has been to the seal kill itself, and before that, Alice Herrington, this group’s founder, was there observing the killing as early as the 1960s. So, you indeed do not have all of the information. Thank your for your opinion.]

On March 24, 2006, Marie-anne wrote:

Dear everyone who loves seals and other animals and has a heart at the same time,

I’ve just read the information that the Canadian government decided to go ahead with the brutal and inhumane slaughtering of baby seals. What a disgrace!! I’m absolutely appalled by their decision!!! If it rains tomorrow, then I know that that is mother earth crying over the loss of thousands of beautiful animals. …Many children look up to their parents, so why not treat animals with some respect and humanity instead of slaughtering their babies??? I guess that what these heart-less people forget is that mother nature will have her revenge and when she does….guess who’s going down first???

On March 24, 2006, Jane Marie Bak wrote:

I am so disturbed by the fact that these seal hunts still go on in this day and age. What ever happened to compassion? God did not put animals on this earth for us to abuse and torture. I do not know how anyone could buy a product made from a seal pup after seeing such graphic pictures and video of what goes on with these hunts. We are all supposed to be one with the earth and we have no right as human beings to destroy God’s precious animals. The people who care out these dreadful acts obviously have no soul!!!

On March 25, 2006, Gazala buksh wrote:

The Seal slaughter began this morning. At this moment seal pups are being bashed on the head on our own ice. What in God’s name are we allowing to happen to this devine planet? Let’s get together and ensure that this hunt is put to an end. Peace to all .

On March 26, 2006, Go canada wrote:

I am greatly disheartened by the amount of ateention this issue is getting. Millions of people die each year of AIDS, and we are still worrying about what a few hard pressed fisherman do to feed their families. To say that the people who comit these acts have no soul, is an iggnorant comment to make. Have you ever met a NewFoundlander? Do you know how these people think? Besides, seals are viscious animals who steal fish from fisherman and will only cause problems if there are too many. This seal hunt as happened for millienias and has never had any problems. The iggnorance of some astounds me.

On March 28, 2006, James Linton wrote:

”..seals are viscious animals who steal fish from fisherman…” - cripes are you serious - we’d better all fear for our supper then.

“…seal hunt has happened for millenias and has never had any problems…” - many barbaric acts and rituals of old are thankfully no longer present in today’s cultured society, but not seal slaughter with clubs/spikes for sheer monetary greed.

Don’t get me wrong, if you have to cull animals then fine, but it’s the barbaric/cruel way in which this is performed which is in question here.

On March 28, 2006, Marcelo wrote:

Dear friends:
My name is Marcelo Hoynowski, and, like you I’m an activist .I’m 12 years old, I live in New Jersey.

This year, once again, I’m working “very hard” to bring some peace to the ice floes in Canada.

With my allowance, I’m paying my own webpage (that I designed) and I’m raising money once again, but most important, I’m “spreading the word”.Lots of people never heard of the Canadian seal hunt. I’m mostly interested in informing children like me. I want to believe that soon, the Canadian seal hunt will meet its end!

Thank you,

Marcelo Hoynowski ,

Blog editor’s note: Thanks, Marcelo, for opposing the killing of all seals, and for the sale of their skins as furs. Please do oppose the sale and wearing of all fur. Also, you can promote a tourism boycott of Canada until the Candian government halts the massacre and takes responsible action to provide Newfoundlanders with other livelihoods.

On March 28, 2006, Ekrem SABAN wrote:

The barbarian government of Canada should be stopped by boycotting Canadian products all over the world!

On March 28, 2006, Go canada wrote:

It infruiates me when people call for the boycott of all Canadian products, you obviously have no idea the incredible amount of goods that Canada produces. If Canada’s products are boycotted the whole world over, you would be crying about the price of gas, even if you take the transit fares will be hiked, ( Canada is a huge exporter of oil.
You would have to pay much more money for these nescessities wheat, barley, oilseed, fruits, vegetables; dairy products; forest products; fish. Not only that you wouldn’t be helping anyone. Harper won’t flip-flop on this issue, if he does the opposition will destroy him, and Canadians will lose faith in him. I would rather have around 300,000 seals shot then have a wish washy PM.

[Blog editors’ note: Where have we heard this kind of rhetoric before?]

On March 29, 2006, Daniel wrote:

The issue isn’t how much Canada produces - this isn’t a personal “we don’t like Canada” thing. The slaughter of these seals is wrong and we need to do what we can to stop it. Congratulations to FoA for helping keep this issue in the public consciousness.

On March 30, 2006, nancy green wrote:

I am so very unhappy about the clubbing of one of the most beautiful animals of this world.Pray that this will end.

On March 31, 2006, Lena Wyszynski wrote:

To all of you that are against this senseless inhumane slaughter of baby seals, God Bless you. I am against it also, watching the videos on various sites brought me to tears. I am just one person, but if we all ban together this cruel and senseless hunt will be ended forever.

For Mark Durkin: You sir should not even put yourself in the category as “human being” - anyone, including you that condones such a barbaric act should be ..(.ashamed. ) All I can say is, your day will come along with all the other barbarians that see nothing wrong with clubbing defenseless babies.

On April 7, 2006, G. Thornberg wrote:

Human beings are the only ones that hunt on a full stomach. This seal hunt in cruel and horrible in every way and it need to end NOW. We don’t have any rights to slaughter our beautiful wildlife. We should protect it and cherrish it. This commercial seal hunt just has to stop NOW. Boycott Canada until it stops this horrible act. There are other ways to make money.

On April 7, 2006, Nadine Saunders wrote:

Letter to The Mayor of St. John’s
Canada

Dear Mr. Wells:

As you may or may not be aware, I recently handed in my birth certificate as a peaceful protest against the slaughter of young Seals.

I have family in Newfoundland. My aunt is getting married this summer and I had planned on driving down and going to see her celebrate this wondrous occasion. Now I have had to cancel my trip.

I have been insulted and threatened publicly by many Newfoundlanders since speaking out about this cruel hunt, and now I’ve gotten to the point where I am speaking out internationally on how I was treated, and how I am ashamed to call myself a Newfoundlander as a result.

The number of threatening hateful emails from people in Newfoundland has been very disturbing. What kind of people are living there these days… are they all this violent?

Perhaps the killing of baby seals has something to do with this violence? Numerous studies have shown the link between cruelty to animals and cruelty to each other. It’s well documented by FBI studies on the topic.

Psychological studies have shown that individuals willing to inflict harm on animals are more likely to do so to humans. One of the known warning signs of certain psychopathologies, including anti-social personality disorder, also known as psychopathic personality disorder, is a history of torturing pets and small animals, a behavior known as zoosadism. According to the New York Times, “[t]he FBI has found that a history of cruelty to animals is one of the traits that regularly appears in its computer records of serial rapists and murderers, and the standard diagnostic and treatment manual for psychiatric and emotional disorders lists cruelty to animals a diagnostic as criterion for conduct disorders. “A survey of psychiatric patients who had repeatedly tortured dogs and cats found all of them had high levels of aggression toward people as well, including one patient who had murdered a young boy.”

Is this not the same for those that murder and torture Seals?

My great-grandfather was from Tilting, Fogo Island, and both he as well as both my grandparents worked in this Seal Hunt industry. I am also well aware that some Newfoundlanders support this hunt. Many do not.

But considering how much economic devastation this will bring to the province in lost tourism dollars, is it not in the best interests of the province to end this once and for all?

Or, do you not care anymore, seeing that the oil fields are coming to fruition?

You should have never joined Confederation. You are an embarrassment to me, to every single Newfoundlander living outside the province, to the rest of this country, and to the whole world.

Nadine Saunders
Vancouver, BC

On April 8, 2006, Dustin Green wrote:

[Blog editors’ note: Dustin Green is not in the “heart of all the action. ” The action is bloody and it’s on the ice floes. Dustin and his seal hunt apologists think seals are commodities, for commercial exploitation. Wrong, Dustin, and your commentary on morality is also lacking. Better stick to hairstyling. ]

Look… I live in the heart of all the action, in Newfounland canada, and I can’t say that I really like the thought of any animal dying… but BE SENSIBLE PEOPLE!… SEALS are NOT wasted I really wish that these protesters would really do their homework. Not only is the coat used for coats, the meat IS used, and EATEN!, also, the oil is used, and pretty much everything else, I mean even the Chinese love the seal penis… now tell me again that its a wasted hunt. do i hunt seals ? NO, do i want to hunt seals? NO.. the point is… there is no pretty way to end an animals life. weather it be a cow, a moose, a carribu, chicken, even fish.. and lets not forget… the rabbit. whome which are left in a snair, and sometimes chew their own foot off to get away. its not pretty, but sometimes necissary… The seals population is enormus! and the fish in the atlantic waters are dwindiling. as the seal popul;ation keeps growing, the less food there will be for them…. so now you are left with thousands of starving etheopian seals all over the ice.. pretty? no. I am just so sick of “celebritys”, who are VEGITARIANS, coming out and saying that we are barbarians and crap like that… even pamela anderson, i mean come on!! there is SEAL OIL IN BREAST IMPLANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the sad fact is, the only reason there is such a big focus on the hunt this year, is because the celebritys that are protesting are aged. nobody cares about them anymore, they suck, and are useless… STOP trying to force us to eat lettuce. we dont force you to eat meat…… if you dont like fur coats, dont wear it. if you dont want to have some flipper pie ( by the way, ewww) then don’t eat it!, if you dont want to see the seals die, DONT BOTHER THE HUNTERS!!!!!! anyway, i think my main goal here is to just blow off my own steam, because i just hate how people who know NOTHING, AND I MEAN NOTHING!…again, i say NOTHING, about Canada’s seal hunt continue to badger us over something so silly. how about you take all the donation money you recieve for these stupid protests, and go feed some hungry humans! GOD!..peace, love, and happiness to all. Dustin Green, age 24, newfoundland Canada. ( not a hunter, but a hairstylist)

On April 9, 2006, Paula Coddington wrote:

Go outside and use all your senses:
SIGHT

SMELL

TOUCH

TASTE

HEARING

Now start covering each one of your senses. What do you get.

EXACTLY!!!!

When we can’t use our senses we lose our most important one,our THOUGHT!

This earth has been put together to form a chain of co-existence, that requires all of the animals (which includes humans) to share and grow as one. We can only LIVE with with all, but we can DIE without even ONE! All species need the other for LIFE! VOTE LIFE for OUR LIVES.

On April 10, 2006, Go canada wrote:

Exactly, couldn’t have siad it better myself. If we stop killing the seals then the chain of life will be corrupted. Fisherman need the seals to get them through the times when the ice is frozen. Its the circle of life and I can’t believe you guys are trying to stop that. Its been going on for millenias and it hasn’t harmed the circle of life. It’s not like you guys are protesting bears because they hunt salmon. How is this so different from the seal hunt.

[Blog editors’ note: The circle of life ends when a homo sapien drives a spike through a seal pup’s head because their government in Canada doesn’t give a hoot about their livelihood, or much else other than cash from dead seals. The problem, Josh, is a moral one. The seals are not resources, or body parts for industry. They’re not yours to massacre. It can’t be justified.

On April 13, 2006, Terry Maillet wrote:

Shamefull, how can anyone justify such cruelty.I am a vegan and I do not eat seafood anyway.However I will never vacation In Canada (which I did 5 years ago )again until this murdering of God’s creatures is stopped for good.

On April 16, 2006, rebecca wrote:

so can we take people out in the middle of the street and club them? these are animals who have no idea what is happening to them. it is disgusting how they smile to watch an animal slowly die. do we like pain and suffering? no. so why should they? these are beautiful creatures and mothers of those creatures must watch in agony as their babies are beaten senseless and wither in pain. i dont understand you people who are for this. livestock are meant to be eaten for meat. that is their purpose and they do not suffer when it comes time to go to that pasture in the sky. seals are here to balance out nature, not to die a slow and horrible death. people say they are killed to help maintain their growing population. the world is overpopulated but does that give anyone the right to end our lives? just remember, you must answer to someone higher eventually and you know the saying PAYBACK IS ALWAYS HELL!!!!!!!!!!!

[Blog editors’ note: Animals called livestock are bred and consumed, but there’s plenty of reasons to abolish animal agriculture — to benefit animals, the environment, health, and to better feed the world’s hungry, ever-increasing human population.

On April 28, 2006, Mike wrote:

Why are most of the groups involved not helping the six species of seals that hover on the brink on extinction? The IFAW helps two of these six but guess what, the harp seal is not one of the six. The HSUS does not help any and the SSCS does not help any of these six. Why is it animal rights people say we need to keep all species of animals on the planet and then focus their efforts on a common animal rather than the over one thousand species which are almost extinct? Why is there so much attention on the seal hunt and none on moose hunting which takes the same number of animals annually as the seal hunt or the deer which takes twice as many? Licenses are given to hunt moose that are seven months old and the youngest seals are killed at about one month old. If your going to tell me there is a lot of difference please save it. Death is death no matter what the age. The only way age factors in at all is to make it sensationalist. In concerns to the seal hunt it makes sense to kill the young because it does not take away from the breeding stock and the young experience a 30% mortality rate anyway. Over the past nine years of hunts in the 250,000 - 300,000 range the seal herd has experienced steady growth. So my question again, why the seal hunt and not the moose or deer hunt? Why is there never a mention of trying to work toward a long term goal of phasing out the seal hunt over time so it does no impact the people? Instead whenever the animal rights side have been invited to talks they never even show up. This would make more sense and not get people’s ire up so much rather than trying to force people to buckle to your will. Cooperation always works better than force, in the short and long term. I saw a picture of this little old woman who had been giving to the IFAW for fifteen years. Believe me, she did not look like she was drowning in cash by any means. ..I can’t see how these people can justify taking money from elderly people and school children and then take such salaries. Anyways, these are my questions and if you would like to drop me a line you can do so through the attached email or through my web site, www.thesealfishery.com.

On May 15, 2006, Travis Wilson wrote:

I understand people feeling strongly about a cause but the vitriol is discussing. So is the boycott. I find it flabbergasting that all these artists are boycotting Canada (with a population less than that of California so it’s not hurting their pocketbooks) when America routinely slaughters, directly or indirectly, ACTUAL PEOPLE throughout the world every year. Where’s the perspective?

Blog editor’s note: Where’s Travis’ perspective? One can oppose human carnage and the battering of seal pups at the same time. Doesn’t one’s brain have room for both?

On May 15, 2006, Travis Wilson wrote:

But you’re not opposing both. You say the boycott of Canada’s goods and a boycott of Canada’s tourism (which hurts hard-working lower-income families more than it hurts anyone else) is the effective way to fight this. Why is there no boycott of America’s goods? Where’s the outrage at America’s “war” crimes in America? It’s non-existent. From a country that touts the BENEFITS of global warming, the outrage and vitriol flung at Canada for this seal hunt slaughter seemes a little too convenient.

[Blog editors’ note: You’re free to boycott the United States. This is a blog devoted to animal advocacy. If you’re looking for a recitation of war crimea, you need another venue. FoA’s boycott is aimed at foreign travel to Canada. The hotels and the airlines will feel it and maybe Canadians will be motivated to change their government’s support of a ghastly, annual seal slaughter for which there’s no excuse. And another thing, many of us oppose the U.S. government’s schemes and environmental disasters. There’s certainly concern about global warming, which, in part is why we advocate a vegetarian diet and eschew animal agribusiness.

On May 16, 2006, Travis Wilson wrote:

No. Hard-working lower-income families feel it. Many places in Canada rely heavily on a tourism industry and I know many people that rely on the jobs that creates. Traveller’s Inn can afford the hit. Canada’s lower-income families cannot. But what do you care? Yeah, this is a forum where people seem to care more about non-human animals than human animals.

[Blog editors’ note: Human rights and animal rights are not in competition. Respecting both makes sense.]

On May 18, 2006, angelica da forno wrote:

this mail is regarding a mail posted on march by marc durkin.
It is unbelievable, how people can be so inhuman.

animals were given to us to protect them and look after them with responsability. how can anyone support such horrible crime, as killing seal pups for the shallow use their fur, not even to protect us from cold, but to use it as a fashion item.

On May 24, 2006, Julie Gravel wrote:

…The Earth is changing,this is obvious,when the Oceans die my friends so will we,and these seals are a part of that delicate ecosystem,do the homework….My family hails from Prince Edward Island Canada,I will never set my foot there.Canada will not get one red cent from me,or anyone who lives in my household.I may only be one person,but I use the internet,good luck censoring that Canada…

On June 5, 2006, clodagh wrote:

I think canada should be ashamed that this cruelty is allowed to happen and to club a innocent animal to death that’s only a few days old. They must have no hearts or brains out there to allow cruelty like that to be legal. Shame on you canada.

On June 12, 2006, Kayleigh wrote:

Ok, Im only 12, but i think I should be heard. These are poor animals! They shouldn’t be killed just for a sport, money, or to be a fluffy fur coat! Its wrong! Who would even have the heart to kill such a cute little thing!?!? Its almost not even human! S.T.H.S! S.T.H.S!
S.ave

T.he

H.arp

S.eals

Please???????

On June 23, 2006, Samantha wrote:

Yes. I may be 13, but it doesn’t matter! Harp Seals shouldn’t be killed just because you get money for it! It’s not right! Think about it. People get aressted for killing or harming a person. When you kill an animal, it’s like they don’t care if they do it. How can people get away with killing an animal? Hardly anyone gets caught killing an endangered animal, so they get away with it and they know it’s not right but they do it anyway! We the world need to stop this! These beautiful creatures are getting killed and we are trying to do something, but it’s taking longer then we want it to! When will they stop?

…Come on world! Lets stop this as one. If we try we can be a powerful force to stop this! No matter how old or your gender or anything… everyone has a voice. That voice should be heard. Don’t be afraid. Act now so you and the rest of the world can help save animals. Please help them! They don’t have a voice that we can hear to save them. It’s up to us to let their voices be heard! Save Harp Seals! We’re all they’ve got.

On July 31, 2006, Stephen Moss wrote:

Hello, I know this is a bit of an old article, but I’m still going to post. I’m all for supporting your own oppinions, but what I don’t support, is you trying to force your own oppinions down other peoples throats. I’m from Newfoundland, and even though I’ve never personally participated in the seal hunt, members of my family have, and have for many, many years. It’s a way of life, and when we were just poor starving human beings working on the barter system we adopted from our british ancestors, it put food on the tables of many newfoundlanders, so we didn’t starve. It was also a main source of income for some families. You compair us to cold blooded killers, but why not take a look at it from this point. People every day are killed by contract killers, these people kill other people for a living… Now, are we really that bad? If you put half the effort into protesting things that really mattered as you do into this subject, maybe you might make a difference. You don’t hear us whining over any of your little traditions do you? No, you don’t, so maybe it’s time for someone to speak up and say, maybe you should just mind your own business and pay attention to what’s happening on your own side of the pond. Oh, and by the way, Things have changed, the hunt for the seal pups is frowned upon here, the hunt is intended to be for the adult seals, and many people do use it for food. A little known fact, if you touch a seal pup, it’s mother won’t take it back, and it dies. Can I point out that one of your famous stars actually commited this travisty when he and his wife visited our province earlier in 2006? that pup probably went on to die, because someone was a little ignorant and didn’t know all the facts. It’s a way of life, and it’s also a natural process. It keeps the balance in nature. If seals become to plentyfull, they destroy fish stocks off our shores, devistating out provinces economy, and the economy of our country. It also means that you won’t get the seafood that you may have come to love… And as for the clubbing process, that was faded out long ago. yes maybe some people still do it, but today, more humane processes are used. If people would actually get to know the facts instead of adapting your oppinion based on what the media shoves down your throat, maybe, just maybe, you’d be educated enough to see the light. I did a media course in school, and we learned that the media has a tendency to show you all the bad sides of things, and omitting the other half of the facts. Please, judge for yourself, not by what you see on tv, or in the newspapers, or anywhere else. I personally am a neutral party towards the hunt. I don’t support it, but I’m not against it either… It’s part of my haratige, and I don’t stand for your bashing of it. Keep in mind, it’s your roots that came to Newfoundland many years ago, and wiped an entire race of people off the face of the planet, and tought these “brutal” methods to their children, and their grandchildren, ect…

All I ask, is that you look at the facts before you base an oppinon, and start bashing another people, and their ways, that you know extreamly little about. Have any of you seen how lobsters are cooked? (they’re thrown in the pot of boiling water alive, and scream as they die). Look at what other things are going on in the world, and even in your own back yard. I bet you support the slaughter of thousands of innocent people in the war on Iraq… Are we really the worst people in the world? Lets not forget how Britain forced and faught their way into Africa durring the Boar war. They raped and pillaged a land of people wanting to be self seficient. I know this happened a long time ago, but what i’m getting at is… we’ve all got some bad parts in our past. we’re not all angels, and no matter how hard you try, the world doesn’t change. This world runs on money, and people would walk over their own grandmothers to get it. Maybe thats what you should be protesting, the fact that it’s money that might drive some people to do things like this.

I hope I’ve opened some peoples eyes about what really happens. If I’ve made one person think about their oppinons today, then I’ve succeeded.

On August 11, 2006, Craig Blanchard wrote:

Its sad to see that we keep going back to what happened in 1960 and the hunting tecniques used then. It is now 2006 80% of seals are killed with high powered rifles. Yes the other 20% are clubbed. I dont see how 1 or rarely more than 2 quick blows to the head is a inhumane kill it takes less than 2 seconds. When an animal is killed it moves even after death the same is true for seals. Its called a swim reflex. So when a sealer starts to skin a seal it appears to be moving. Its only reflex. Think its about time to get a new spoksmen because the white coat harp seal is misleading to people. as again white coats cant be harvested. To the lady who poasted that newfoundlanders are ignorant, heartless excuses for human beings because some of them kill seals what about the butcher that killed the cow you eat when you go to mc donalds. Its no different.

[Blog editors respond: Correct; it is no different. We hope that all visitors to this site will consider the interest of every feeling, self-aware being in continuing to live — whether that being is an adult cow or a young seal, whether shot or clubbed or bled to death, quickly or slowly. Let us find ways to stop killing.]

On August 18, 2006, Marie Gratton wrote:

I am totally motified that these inhumane gruops or whatever can hurt animals. Do you treat you kids like this?? Marie Gratton

On August 20, 2006, Rose Hansen wrote:

I think it very wrong.killing any anomal for its fur is wrong. I may only be 11 but I know alot about my world and I know whats humane and whats not, and this is NOT humane. I see these seals and think about what they do and I fill with anger.

On September 7, 2006, tosha knowles wrote:

HI MY NAME IS TOSHA KNOWLES AND I HELP MY FAMILY OUT ALOT CAUSE WE HELP HURT ANIMALS AND I THINK THAT ITS VERY WRONG THE WAY WE TREAT THEM NOW…

On October 11, 2006, Marcela Donato wrote:

Stephen, when are Newfoundlanders going to take pride in productive jobs other than depleting the earth of its natural resources? The fact that all these people rely on fishing is a geographical accident, it’s the easy way out. Getting some training on a trade or career demands brains and commitment. How about going to school, getting an office job, becoming a school teacher, a plumber or a builder? Why is it that Newfoundlanders with some brains have to leave Newfoundland? I have friends from Newfoundland who work with me, who hate the seal hunt and the sealers. They had to put up with their ignorant, archaic ways all their lives. Sealers are selfish people who bring terrible reputation to Newfoundland and Canada.
I’ve seen sealers take their sons on the ice and teach them how to bash a seal pup’s head in, with pride (and yes, a 15-day old seal is still a baby!) . Have these sealers ever heard of a college education? That is what they should be giving their sons, not a legacy of bloody , destructive work. While some of us try to teach our children compassion to all beings, others teach them how to kill everything that moves.

If you don’t want to hear us oppose the seal hunt, this is not the forum for you. We are here to stop this travesty, whatever it takes.

On November 2, 2006, melissa wrote:

I am 11 years old and i think that people who kill or harm animals in any way are idiots.Why would someone harm a poor animal that cant defend itself?!? What if you got killed or harmed just because you are a human or because you are black or white? People thnk before you act! i hate how people treat animals just because there animals!

On November 17, 2006, Teri wrote:

Hi i am 12 years old and i think that what you did is spectacular and i look forward to hearing the good things coming from Friends of Animals in the future!

On January 25, 2007, Stew wrote:

If the seal hunt cannot be stopped, what solutions do you suggest to make the culling more humane?

FoA comments:

A more appropriate question is, “If culling cannot be made humane, what solutions do you suggest to stop the seal hunt?”.

Answer: Friends of Animals will continue to put pressure on the Canadian people and their government to stop the seal hunt.

On March 2, 2007, brooke wrote:

WHAT THE ARE THEY DOING THAT????! KILLING FOR NO REASON AT ALL JUST FOR“LOOKS” AND HANDBAGS!!! IM SOOO NOT SHOPPING AT THOSE STORES AGAIN THIS IS TERRIBLE AND MUST BE STOPPED, DONT LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THIS> ITS A SIN AND UNACCEPTABLE FOR ANYONE TO KILL FOR NO REASON BESIDES TO GET THIER SKIN
thank you

Brooke

On March 8, 2007, Angie wrote:

I think its absolutely disgusting that this is going on in todays day and age. What can be done to help protest and hopefully stop this?

On May 9, 2007, Martha Woods wrote:

I remember the TV special in 1969. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Pictures represent a million words. Why can’t that special be aired throughout the year? Yes, to all you cruel hunters of the seals, the hunt is on all over the world for something but you know, their bloody little bodies with their big eyes aren’t left on the ground or ice staring at you. That is the disgrace in my eyes. May we enjoy the beauty of our “Little endangered Youngins” while they still exist.

On November 22, 2007, Adrian wrote:

Hello,

As a Canadian myself, this issue is pretty close to home. And while I understand that everyone posting here has the best of wishes and intentions, I’d like to offer a little, probably unwelcome, perspective from up here.
The seal hunt sounds terrible, without a doubt. I know you all imagine grizzly angry men taking out their anger on cute little seals. Or maybe, it is being thought of as a sport hunt, a cull, or some type of genocide.

The reality is a little different. The seal hunters are of the most impoverished populations of Canada. They’re made out to be a multi-million dollar corporation, but it’s just not that way. If they cannot hunt for the year, they might not have any other source of income, except possibly welfare. In northern Newfoundland, there are no major industries, little tourism, few services, few colleges, limited doctors and hospitals, and no money. It’s no NYC.

Yes, I love animals too. No, I do not, and would not wear fur. But if I have the choice between dead seals and starving Canadians, there’s just no contest.

Just a final note, which will make everyone hate me all the more. I would argue that clubbing is a far more humane way for killing seals than shooting. Every trained sealer kills a seal with one blow. How many hunters can say that?