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News Archive 2008

01/04/2008

Euroview

The European Union has threatened to ban seal fur imports which could help to bring about the end of controversial seal hunting in Canada.

Every year, some 250,000 harp seals are slaughtered but the Canadians argue that such a cull does not threaten the seal population – which they claim is up to six million – and that sealing is an important part of their economy.

An EU-wide ban on seal products would prevent Canada moving seal pelts through European ports to major markets in China and Russia.

Seal fur is used in the fashion industry, with each pelt fetching £25 - £40 and hunters can make £2000 each in a few days.

The EU environment commissioner, Stavros Dimas, has said he is considering trade sanctions against Canada, one of the largest killers of seals, ahead of the latest cull due to start this week.

Last year, the European Parliament passed a rare resolution known as a 'Written Declaration’ (similar to an Early Day Motion in the Commons) calling for a fur import ban. When a Written Declaration receives the signatures of over half the total number of MEPs - as occurred with the seal motion - it becomes a formal resolution of the Parliament and carries more weight with the Commission and national governments.

The time has come for the Commission to take action. When the European Parliament was considering whether to call for a ban, the number of people contacting us in support was overwhelming.
The slaughter of seals in Canada, including seals that are just a few weeks old, is barbaric and the EU should not condone it. The methods used - cudgelling with a 'hakapik' or shooting - have too often not killed the seal outright and I am not satisfied with Canadian assertions that seals are not still being skinned alive.

Many countries in Europe and around the world have introduced or are considering a ban on these imports. Belgium and Holland have already introduced legislation to ban seal products and similar moves are planned in Germany and Italy. But we need the entire EU to implement a single ban to stamp out demand and help end this cruel trade.

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