Call Off the 2012 Canadian Seal Slaughter

Dear Prime Minister Harper,

Each year, the Canadian government authorizes sealers to club and shoot to death hundreds of thousands of baby seals for their fur. Defenceless seal pups are routinely impaled on metal hooks, cut open while conscious, and left to suffer in agony.

The overwhelming majority of compassionate people want the seal slaughter to end, and yet the Canadian government continues to use Canadian tax dollars to prop up this dying industry. Use the money for other industries that will contribute positively to Canada’s economy and image. No one wants or needs seal products.

Seals face this needless slaughter even as they also suffer the devastating impacts of climate change. Harp seals are ice dependent animals, relying on sea ice to give birth to and nurse their pups. This year, diminished sea ice has caused hundreds of thousands of pups to die before the slaughter even begins.

As the Prime Minister of Canada, you have an unparalleled opportunity to put an end to the globally condemned commercial seal slaughter.

I urge you to please show leadership and move Canada beyond commercial sealing. Please call off the 2012 Canadian seal slaughter.

Thank you,

Kevin and Seri