FW: Protect our right to observe and monitor the seal hunt

October 1, 2007

"WSPA Canada" <wspacanadaWSPA reply-3+YmiiJhi+s=-188859_HTML-99682837-52722Protect our right to observe and monitor the seal huntMon, 01 Oct 2007 14:44:39 -0500

Canadian government may amend regulations to further restrict observation of the seal hunt

Once again, the Canadian government is trying to block observation of the commercial seal hunt, and we have very little time to stop it. Please take action today.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is proposing amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations that could effectively block all independent observation of the commercial seal hunt. Such a move would be in direct violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees freedom of the press.

For many of the years that the seal hunt has occurred, there have been witnesses. Whether they be from an animal protection or environmental charity, a Canadian or foreign journalist, a veterinarian or humane slaughter expert or a member of the government of Canada or another country - all of these people should have the right to observe the seal hunt. Animal protection groups play an important role in monitoring and documenting this hunt. In the past few years, they have documented and submitted video evidence of more than 700 apparent violations of the Marine Mammal Regulations. These violations include sealers failing to ensure the seals were dead prior to hooking and dragging them, and sealers clubbing seals on the face, jaw and neck instead of the skull.

Please take action today to protect our right to observe and monitor the seal hunt. Tell Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans that you oppose these amendments to further restrict observation of the commercial seal hunt. Send your comments to srrercp.

For more information:www.protectseals.org Proposed amendmentsSection on Seals in the Marine Mammal Regulations

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