Canadian Seal Hunt

[Guest guest]

Although I know you guys all know about this I just wanted to post the

response that I received from company that owns Red Lobster and Olive

Garden and some others, when I requested that they consider boycotting

Canadian fish products. It is of course a form letter but they seem non to

concerned about what is happening. Of course if nothing else I hope you all

boycott RedLobster, Olive Garden and others that are owned by this company

(although most of you are porbably vegetarian).

 

 

 

" April 21, 2005

 

Dear Mr. Balle,

 

Thank you for your interest in Red Lobster; it is always a pleasure to hear from

our guests.

 

We appreciate your sharing your thoughts with us and for giving us an

opportunity to respond. We respect your feelings about the seal harvest and

we respect the Humane Society of the United States.

 

However, we believe it is inappropriate to boycott Canadian seafood. That

would harm tens of thousands of innocent people who make their living in the

Canadian seafood industry and have nothing to do with the Newfoundland

seal harvest.

 

For generations Red Lobster has worked to ensure the sustainability of

marine life and promoted humane harvesting practices. We believe that it is

important to be good stewards of the world's resources and that sustainable

seafood helps ensure long term success in feeding a growing world

population.

 

In regards to the Newfoundland seal harvest, even if the Canadian

Government correctly believes that it needs to thin out the seal population in

order to avoid outstripping their food supply, we have concerns about some of

the harvesting practices. Therefore, we are reaching out to the Canadian

Department of Fisheries and Oceans to help influence and effect positive

change. We have invited any interested organizations or companies to join us

in this effort.

 

Thank you again for taking time to contact us with your concerns. We

understand your convictions and hope that in the future we may welcome you

back to one of our restaurants.

 

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Stephen

Guest Relations Supervisor "