MP pushes for end to cruel commercial seal hunt

Sandra Osborne, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock Constituency has supported a call for stronger steps to help end Canada’s cruel commercial seal hunt, which saw more than 350,000 seals clubbed or shot last year.

Sandra has supported Early Day Motion 1006 welcoming the UK Government’s recent announcement that it will press the European Commission for new legislation to ban the import of all harp and hooded seal products into the EU.  The EDM calls for EU legislation to be introduced as soon as possible and for a national ban for the UK to be considered until EU-wide measures are in place.

Sandra said:
‘The UK Government’s backing of an EU ban is a welcome step forward, and adds to the growing opposition in Europe – uniting the European stand against the unnecessary and cruel hunt.  Europe is sending a clear message to Canada just a few weeks before this years hunt is due to start – it is important that we get bans in place as soon as possible.  I will be supporting measures to push for strong and urgent UK and EU actions.’

MPs are supporting campaigns by a number of animal welfare groups including The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW); Respect for Animals, the Humane Society International (HSI) and Network for Animals.  All wish to see an end to the hunt on the grounds that it is inherently cruel and unnecessary.  Now the biggest marine mammal hunt in the world, 97% of seals killed are pups under three months of age.  They are skinned so their fur can be used to make luxury items for the fashion industry.

Opposition within Europe continues to grow.  The German government announced this week it is moving forward with plans to ban seal products, and last year the EU Parliament passed a Written Declaration in support of an EU-wide trade ban.

In January Belgium became the first EU nation to implement a ban on the import of seal products.  There is also currently a proposal for a national ban before the Dutch parliament.

Canada’s annual seal slaughter is due to begin in the Gulf of St Lawrence and quota for this years’ hunt is expected any day.