Victory For Seals! The European Union Bans the Trade in Seal Products
May 5, 2009 by The HSUS: Rebecca Aldworth
I have watched history being made today. The European Union has closed its borders to products of cruel commercial seal slaughters, removing a primary market for Canada’s globally condemned sealing industry. Many believe this ban will deliver a blow from which the Canadian seal slaughter may not recover.
The Canadian government tried every trick in the book to try to derail the ban: sending massive delegations to lobby on behalf of the sealing industry, misinforming decision makers, and even threatening trade reprisals. But the EU acted on behalf of its citizens and, in doing so, has saved millions of defenseless seals from a horrible fate.
We’ve Made History
I grew up in sealing country, and I have observed the commercial hunt for 11 years. In that time, I have witnessed cruelty that no thinking, compassionate person could ever accept. It has been difficult, often heartbreaking. But I have always known that in bearing witness to this slaughter, we can stop it.
Every year, the ProtectSeals team has endured hazardous conditions to document the seal hunt. We are committed to showing the world that the Canadian government is lying when it claims that the hunt is humane.
On our trips to the ice, The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International have brought key opinion shapers such as Paul McCartney and Swedish Member of the European Parliament Carl Schlyter. Neither has wavered in speaking out against the hunt. Shortly after seeing the seal hunt, Schlyter introduced a resolution in the European Parliament, calling on the EU to ban trade in seal products. Our footage of the seal slaughter and our testimony were key in convincing the rest of the EU to agree to the ban. It gives me enormous satisfaction to know that we played a central role in making history for seals.
What Does It Mean?
This is the beginning of the end for the Canadian seal slaughter. The EU was a primary market for Canadian seal products, and the Canadian government estimates the loss of the EU market will cost Canada’s sealing industry $6.6 million (CAD) annually. Given that the landed value of the Canadian seal hunt last year was less than $7 million, the implications are enormous.
With this ban, the EU joins the United States (which outlawed seal products in 1972) and Mexico and Croatia, which ended the trade in 2006. Soon there will be nowhere left to trade the products of cruel commercial seal slaughters, and seals will be worth more alive than dead.
Seals' lives have already been saved. Just the promise of an EU ban was enough to drive this year's price for seal fur down to $15 (CAD) per skin—a decline of 86 percent since 2006.
As a result, many sealers stayed home. Out of Canada’s quota of 338,200 seals, fewer than 60,000 have been killed to date. By the regulated closing date of the seal hunt—May 15—it is likely more than a quarter of a million baby seals will have been spared a horrible fate.
Now that the EU has banned its trade in seal products, countless more seals will live their lives in peace from this year forward.
What’s Next?
We must remain vigilant. With generous government subsidies, the Canadian sealing industry may soon develop new markets for seal products. We must ensure that other nations follow the example set by the EU. The ProtectSeals campaign is working in several key countries already to ensure that there is nowhere left for the Canadian sealing industry to market its products.
To provide an economic incentive for the government to act, a global boycott of Canadian seafood products was launched in the U.S. in 2005. Since that boycott began, the Canadian fishing industry has suffered a $750 million (CAD) drop in the value of snow crab exports alone to the United States.
Now we are expanding the campaign to European Union, and I believe the Canadian government will soon take action to protect the fishing industry by ending the seal hunt forever. If you haven't joined the boycott, please sign on now.
The only way to permanently end Canada’s commercial seal slaughter is for the Canadian government to pass a strong law prohibiting commercial seal hunting. Senator Mac Harb has introduced such a ban, but no other senator has been brave enough yet to step forward and support it.
We are working hard in Canada to turn public opposition to the seal hunt into political action. The overwhelming majority of Canadians want the slaughter to stop, and it is time for the government to take action.
There is still much work to do, but we should all take a moment to celebrate this historic achievement. We have won this victory as a movement, and it is one we will remember for decades to come.
I am grateful to the European Union for rejecting cruelty, and I am grateful for everyone who has worked so very hard to make this day possible. The seals could not ask for stronger allies.
Rebecca Aldworth is Director of Humane Society International Canada (HSI Canada). For the past decade, she has been a firsthand observer of Canada's commercial seal hunt, escorting more than 100 scientists, parliamentarians and journalists to the ice floes to witness the slaughter.
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
London Deer Saved! Thank you!!!
After seven long months of fighting to protect the London deer, City Council voted unanimously not to proceed with the killing of all but 8 deer who frequent the Sifton Bog. THANK YOU all who spoke out to protect the deer! The London Free Press article below summarzies the result.
Thank you!
Liz White, Director
***
Deer dodge bullet once again
LONDON CITY HALL: Council has rejected killing deer this fall in Sifton Bog pending a report due in February
By JONATHAN SHER, LONDON FREE PRESS
London city council has rejected the killing of deer this fall in Sifton Bog, voting unanimously last night to delay consideration of a cull until the results of a key study are completed next February.
"I don't want London to become the first city in Canada to support a deer hunt," Controller Gina Barber said. "It's a great day, indeed."
A week ago Barber was on the losing side of a vote as four politicians on the city's environment and transportation committee recommended a cull in the fall.
The majority argued any delay could irreparably harm the bog.
But much has changed in the past seven days:
- Though neighbours of the bog and some environmentalists lobbied for a cull, politicians were deluged by those opposing the kill, with more than 400 people signing a petition submitted yesterday.
- The city ecologist said she favoured delaying consideration of a cull until a key study is finished and the deer population in the bog is counted in the fall. Last year the numbers dropped by about 30%.
- Politicians who supported a cull went to the city's acting chief administrator to complain about the city ecologist, a tactic criticized inside and outside city hall.
"Needless to say, this has become a very emotional, explosive and sensitive issue on both sides," Coun. Paul Hubert said.
The bog is in Hubert's backyard and ward, where the deer have long been a source of complaints by neighbours.
But for Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, the issue was one so controversial it shouldn't be considered until all the evidence was in on the harm caused by deer to the bog.
"We should . . . do our homework," said the mayor, whose proposal for a delay was then backed by all of council.
For most of the past century it has been people, not deer, who have posed a threat to a bog that environmentalists say is an ecological treasure and rarity in Southern Ontario.
People drained the bog, flooded it, stripped its peat, cut its black spruce for Christmas trees, surrounded it with development and gravel pits and planted an invasive plant that is likely its biggest threat, buckthorn.
It has only been the past decade those protecting the bog turned their focus to deer. Though a citizens' committee and city staff once recommended a cull, council has not gone that route.
Yesterday's recommended delay included some more immediate elements.
The city will ask Ontario's Natural Resources Ministry for permission to consider options beyond a cull that aren't allowed without ministry approval, such as sterilizing deer or trying to drive them out of the bog and erect a tall fence with space underneath for smaller animals.
Thank you!
Liz White, Director
***
Deer dodge bullet once again
LONDON CITY HALL: Council has rejected killing deer this fall in Sifton Bog pending a report due in February
By JONATHAN SHER, LONDON FREE PRESS
London city council has rejected the killing of deer this fall in Sifton Bog, voting unanimously last night to delay consideration of a cull until the results of a key study are completed next February.
"I don't want London to become the first city in Canada to support a deer hunt," Controller Gina Barber said. "It's a great day, indeed."
A week ago Barber was on the losing side of a vote as four politicians on the city's environment and transportation committee recommended a cull in the fall.
The majority argued any delay could irreparably harm the bog.
But much has changed in the past seven days:
- Though neighbours of the bog and some environmentalists lobbied for a cull, politicians were deluged by those opposing the kill, with more than 400 people signing a petition submitted yesterday.
- The city ecologist said she favoured delaying consideration of a cull until a key study is finished and the deer population in the bog is counted in the fall. Last year the numbers dropped by about 30%.
- Politicians who supported a cull went to the city's acting chief administrator to complain about the city ecologist, a tactic criticized inside and outside city hall.
"Needless to say, this has become a very emotional, explosive and sensitive issue on both sides," Coun. Paul Hubert said.
The bog is in Hubert's backyard and ward, where the deer have long been a source of complaints by neighbours.
But for Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, the issue was one so controversial it shouldn't be considered until all the evidence was in on the harm caused by deer to the bog.
"We should . . . do our homework," said the mayor, whose proposal for a delay was then backed by all of council.
For most of the past century it has been people, not deer, who have posed a threat to a bog that environmentalists say is an ecological treasure and rarity in Southern Ontario.
People drained the bog, flooded it, stripped its peat, cut its black spruce for Christmas trees, surrounded it with development and gravel pits and planted an invasive plant that is likely its biggest threat, buckthorn.
It has only been the past decade those protecting the bog turned their focus to deer. Though a citizens' committee and city staff once recommended a cull, council has not gone that route.
Yesterday's recommended delay included some more immediate elements.
The city will ask Ontario's Natural Resources Ministry for permission to consider options beyond a cull that aren't allowed without ministry approval, such as sterilizing deer or trying to drive them out of the bog and erect a tall fence with space underneath for smaller animals.
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Government needs to Audit Horse Slaughter Plants!
CHDC Calls for Audit of Horse Slaughter Operations After Plant Shut Down Over Food Safety Concerns
REGINA, April 7 /CNW/ - With the news that the Natural Meat Company (formerly Natural Valley Farms) in Neudorf, Saskatchewan has been shut down by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for food safety concerns, the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) is calling for a complete audit of Canada's remaining horse slaughter operations by the CFIA.
Graphic evidence of animal welfare violations was documented at Natural Valley Farms in April and May 2008 and aired to the public a month later. At the time, government officials made repeated assurances regarding the plant's operations.
Over six months later, the CFIA quietly ordered the plant closed citing food safety concerns.
"Despite the attention given to this operation, this action shows that there are major problems in Neudorf and quite possibly elsewhere," said Sinikka Crosland, CHDC's Executive Director. "Only a full audit can begin to deal with the real concerns that the public has with Canadian horse slaughter operations."
"This is exactly the kind of problem that arose in the United States and the reason, along with concerns associated with inhumane treatment, that saw the US close every single one of its slaughter houses," added Ms. Crosland.
For further information: Sinikka Crosland, CHDC, (250) 768-4803 or visit www.defendhorsescanada.org
REGINA, April 7 /CNW/ - With the news that the Natural Meat Company (formerly Natural Valley Farms) in Neudorf, Saskatchewan has been shut down by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for food safety concerns, the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) is calling for a complete audit of Canada's remaining horse slaughter operations by the CFIA.
Graphic evidence of animal welfare violations was documented at Natural Valley Farms in April and May 2008 and aired to the public a month later. At the time, government officials made repeated assurances regarding the plant's operations.
Over six months later, the CFIA quietly ordered the plant closed citing food safety concerns.
"Despite the attention given to this operation, this action shows that there are major problems in Neudorf and quite possibly elsewhere," said Sinikka Crosland, CHDC's Executive Director. "Only a full audit can begin to deal with the real concerns that the public has with Canadian horse slaughter operations."
"This is exactly the kind of problem that arose in the United States and the reason, along with concerns associated with inhumane treatment, that saw the US close every single one of its slaughter houses," added Ms. Crosland.
For further information: Sinikka Crosland, CHDC, (250) 768-4803 or visit www.defendhorsescanada.org
Monday, 6 April 2009
Great News for Horses!
Natural Meat Company Shuts Down
We are pleased to inform you that Natural Meat Company (formerly Natural Valley Farms) in Neudorf, Saskatchewan, closed its doors in mid-February. No more horses are being slaughtered in that facility!
According to the Director of Parliamentary Affairs for Canada, Natural Meat Company was shut down by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for food safety concerns. At this time we are attempting to clarify details surrounding the closure.
Graphic evidence of animal welfare violations was documented at Natural Valley Farms in April/May 2008. This footage was released to CHDC by undercover investigators, and the concerns were aired on CBC's No Country for Horses the following month: http://www.cbc.ca/national/blog/special_feature/no_country_for_horses/no_country_for_horses.html .
In September 2008, CHDC Western Region Director, Twyla Francois, filmed horse blood from the slaughter plant being illegally dumped on the banks of a nearby river: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udbD6OeiUBY .
Further Good News from the U.S.
On April 3, 2009, the governor of Montana issued an amendatory veto on a bill that had already been passed by the Montana House and the Senate and simply needed an official signature. That bill was intended to stop any citizen from launching a lawsuit that might prevent a horse slaughterhouse from being built in the state. On April 2, 2009, CHDC had assisted U.S. horse defenders by supplying proof of the closure of Natural Meat Company for food safety reasons. This evidence then found its way into the hands of the governor. As a result of the veto, the amended bill will now go back to the legislature for consideration, thus opening up an opportunity for debate. With such strong evidence of food safety and environmental concerns, to say nothing of animal welfare violations that are inherent in the horse slaughter industry, it is clear that step-by-step progress for the horses is being made.
We applaud the Equine Welfare Alliance for serving as an intermediary between our efforts and the many wonderful grass roots groups involved in the state and federal initiatives in the U.S.
Remember the Horses
In order to commemorate the lives lost in Neudorf and to pay homage to the suffering that occurred there, we plan to visit the massive horse graveyard on site--resting place for former pets, race horses, rodeo horses, and other unfortunate animals who, one way or another, were sent to a fate that none should ever have to endure.
Anyone wishing to submit a poem, blessing or memorial message for this occasion can e-mail it to Twyla Francois by April 8, 2009: twyla.1@mts.net . Your tribute to the horses will be placed where their remains lie...and where each strong and graceful spirit moved forth...away from the pain, away from the crippling fear, and away from the betrayal of trust that marked this final and brutal interaction with humankind.
But no matter what has gone before, horses continue to have friends...in all of us who defend them. And our numbers are growing.
May the equine spirit be the wind beneath our wings until slaughter is ended forever.
_________________________________________________________________
Canadian Horse Defence Coalition
P.O. Box 26097
Westbank, B.C.
V4T 2G3
Ph/fax: 250-768-4803
info@defendhorsescanada.org
http://www.defendhorsescanada.org/
We are pleased to inform you that Natural Meat Company (formerly Natural Valley Farms) in Neudorf, Saskatchewan, closed its doors in mid-February. No more horses are being slaughtered in that facility!
According to the Director of Parliamentary Affairs for Canada, Natural Meat Company was shut down by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for food safety concerns. At this time we are attempting to clarify details surrounding the closure.
Graphic evidence of animal welfare violations was documented at Natural Valley Farms in April/May 2008. This footage was released to CHDC by undercover investigators, and the concerns were aired on CBC's No Country for Horses the following month: http://www.cbc.ca/national/blog/special_feature/no_country_for_horses/no_country_for_horses.html .
In September 2008, CHDC Western Region Director, Twyla Francois, filmed horse blood from the slaughter plant being illegally dumped on the banks of a nearby river: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udbD6OeiUBY .
Further Good News from the U.S.
On April 3, 2009, the governor of Montana issued an amendatory veto on a bill that had already been passed by the Montana House and the Senate and simply needed an official signature. That bill was intended to stop any citizen from launching a lawsuit that might prevent a horse slaughterhouse from being built in the state. On April 2, 2009, CHDC had assisted U.S. horse defenders by supplying proof of the closure of Natural Meat Company for food safety reasons. This evidence then found its way into the hands of the governor. As a result of the veto, the amended bill will now go back to the legislature for consideration, thus opening up an opportunity for debate. With such strong evidence of food safety and environmental concerns, to say nothing of animal welfare violations that are inherent in the horse slaughter industry, it is clear that step-by-step progress for the horses is being made.
We applaud the Equine Welfare Alliance for serving as an intermediary between our efforts and the many wonderful grass roots groups involved in the state and federal initiatives in the U.S.
Remember the Horses
In order to commemorate the lives lost in Neudorf and to pay homage to the suffering that occurred there, we plan to visit the massive horse graveyard on site--resting place for former pets, race horses, rodeo horses, and other unfortunate animals who, one way or another, were sent to a fate that none should ever have to endure.
Anyone wishing to submit a poem, blessing or memorial message for this occasion can e-mail it to Twyla Francois by April 8, 2009: twyla.1@mts.net . Your tribute to the horses will be placed where their remains lie...and where each strong and graceful spirit moved forth...away from the pain, away from the crippling fear, and away from the betrayal of trust that marked this final and brutal interaction with humankind.
But no matter what has gone before, horses continue to have friends...in all of us who defend them. And our numbers are growing.
May the equine spirit be the wind beneath our wings until slaughter is ended forever.
_________________________________________________________________
Canadian Horse Defence Coalition
P.O. Box 26097
Westbank, B.C.
V4T 2G3
Ph/fax: 250-768-4803
info@defendhorsescanada.org
http://www.defendhorsescanada.org/
Monday, 30 March 2009
TRACS granted contract to save Kelowa rabbits
Sinikka Crosland is one of our wonderful Board Members, doing all she can for the animals of BC. Visit www.tracs-bc.ca for more information.
Greak work, Sinikka!
___________________________________
TRACS clear for rabbit rescue -- March 27, 2009
Kelowna‘s remaining feral rabbits should be caged, sterilized and cared for, rather than killed, city council will hear Monday. Staff recommend an $11,550, one-year contract be awarded to The Society for Responsible Animal Care, a volunteer-group that‘s been highly critical of a city contractor‘s effort to kill hundreds of rabbits.
“This is wonderful news that has been a long time coming,” TRACS executive director Sinnika Crosland said Thursday. “I‘m really happy the city is giving us the chance to get involved in this way. There aren‘t many of the bunnies left now, but if we get this contract we‘ll do what we can to save them.”
The money can only be used for the “monitoring and control” of the rabbits, according to a city tendering document circulated to nine contractors and groups. TRACS was the only one to submit a proposal. What the condition means, in practise, is that TRACS can only use the money to sterilize any rabbits its volunteers are able to trap. The money cannot be used for the ongoing feeding of the animals. With sterilization costs of about $70 per animal, TRACS could use the $11,550 to neuter or spay about 165 rabbits. Estimates of the remaining wild rabbit population vary from two dozen to about 100. TRACS volunteers intend to trap the remaining animals, have vets sterilize them, then place them either in foster homes or in secure pens. To deal with the burgeoning population of wild rabbits last year, most of which were concentrated along Enterprise Way, the city awarded a contract to EBB Environmental Consulting. The company killed hundreds of rabbits, sparking protests from animal rights groups. Meanwhile, volunteers with TRACS were also out capturing rabbits, caging about 450 of them. The group raised about $30,000 in donations to help cover the cost of sterilizing the animals, and putting them in foster homes or pens. The contract to be considered Monday includes a provision that city staff be satisfied the rabbit problem is abating. If municipal officials believe the rabbit population is on the increase, the contract with TRACS could be cancelled.
If city council awards the one-year contract to TRACS, the group will appeal for more volunteers to help out with the caging of and caring for the rabbits, Crosland said.
“We‘ve had a consistent group of about eight volunteers, but with the weather improving and the nights getting longer, I hope the numbers will go up,” she said.
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/stories_local.php?id=174929
http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-45938-1-.htm#45938
Greak work, Sinikka!
___________________________________
TRACS clear for rabbit rescue -- March 27, 2009
Kelowna‘s remaining feral rabbits should be caged, sterilized and cared for, rather than killed, city council will hear Monday. Staff recommend an $11,550, one-year contract be awarded to The Society for Responsible Animal Care, a volunteer-group that‘s been highly critical of a city contractor‘s effort to kill hundreds of rabbits.
“This is wonderful news that has been a long time coming,” TRACS executive director Sinnika Crosland said Thursday. “I‘m really happy the city is giving us the chance to get involved in this way. There aren‘t many of the bunnies left now, but if we get this contract we‘ll do what we can to save them.”
The money can only be used for the “monitoring and control” of the rabbits, according to a city tendering document circulated to nine contractors and groups. TRACS was the only one to submit a proposal. What the condition means, in practise, is that TRACS can only use the money to sterilize any rabbits its volunteers are able to trap. The money cannot be used for the ongoing feeding of the animals. With sterilization costs of about $70 per animal, TRACS could use the $11,550 to neuter or spay about 165 rabbits. Estimates of the remaining wild rabbit population vary from two dozen to about 100. TRACS volunteers intend to trap the remaining animals, have vets sterilize them, then place them either in foster homes or in secure pens. To deal with the burgeoning population of wild rabbits last year, most of which were concentrated along Enterprise Way, the city awarded a contract to EBB Environmental Consulting. The company killed hundreds of rabbits, sparking protests from animal rights groups. Meanwhile, volunteers with TRACS were also out capturing rabbits, caging about 450 of them. The group raised about $30,000 in donations to help cover the cost of sterilizing the animals, and putting them in foster homes or pens. The contract to be considered Monday includes a provision that city staff be satisfied the rabbit problem is abating. If municipal officials believe the rabbit population is on the increase, the contract with TRACS could be cancelled.
If city council awards the one-year contract to TRACS, the group will appeal for more volunteers to help out with the caging of and caring for the rabbits, Crosland said.
“We‘ve had a consistent group of about eight volunteers, but with the weather improving and the nights getting longer, I hope the numbers will go up,” she said.
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/stories_local.php?id=174929
http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-45938-1-.htm#45938
Monday, 16 March 2009
Thank you! (and Horse update)
BIG THANKS to everyone who came to our office to be a part of our "visual petition" to save the seals. We had a great turnout, and it was so nice to meet and chat with you all. Thanks also to those who were at the Yonge/Dundas Square demo. While Liz and I were here at the office, it sounds like it was a well-organized and well-attended event.
It's not too late to send letters to the European Parliament. Harpseals has great information and contacts listed on their website (click on link below).
www.harpseals.org/help/letters_and_emails/index.html
As well, please send comments to Diana Wallis (click on link below).
www.dianawallismep.org.uk/pages/SealProducts.html
AND finally, on March 11, an MP called for a ban on horse slaughter (see below).
TILSON TABLES PETITION ON BAN OF HORSE SLAUGHTER - March 11, 2009
PARLIAMENT HILL – David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, rose in the House of Commons today to table a petition calling for a ban on the slaughter of horses and on their export for the same purpose.
When asked about the petition, Tilson said, “This is an issue of deep concern for many of my constituents – not just those who own horses, but also those who recognize that horses occupy a special place in our heritage and are an important source of companionship for a large number of Canadians.”
The petition, signed by hundreds of residents of Dufferin County, notes that horse slaughter is not humane euthanasia, and that a majority of Canadians do not eat horse meat and do not breed horses for consumption. The petition also highlights the horse industry's significant contribution to the economy, supplying millions in revenue for local farms and stables and providing thousands of jobs in Canada.
It's not too late to send letters to the European Parliament. Harpseals has great information and contacts listed on their website (click on link below).
www.harpseals.org/help/letters_and_emails/index.html
As well, please send comments to Diana Wallis (click on link below).
www.dianawallismep.org.uk/pages/SealProducts.html
AND finally, on March 11, an MP called for a ban on horse slaughter (see below).
TILSON TABLES PETITION ON BAN OF HORSE SLAUGHTER - March 11, 2009
PARLIAMENT HILL – David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, rose in the House of Commons today to table a petition calling for a ban on the slaughter of horses and on their export for the same purpose.
When asked about the petition, Tilson said, “This is an issue of deep concern for many of my constituents – not just those who own horses, but also those who recognize that horses occupy a special place in our heritage and are an important source of companionship for a large number of Canadians.”
The petition, signed by hundreds of residents of Dufferin County, notes that horse slaughter is not humane euthanasia, and that a majority of Canadians do not eat horse meat and do not breed horses for consumption. The petition also highlights the horse industry's significant contribution to the economy, supplying millions in revenue for local farms and stables and providing thousands of jobs in Canada.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Help Stop the Commercial Seal Hunt
This Saturday, March 14th, a rally is being planned in Toronto by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Zoocheck and other animal welfare groups as part of the International Day of Action Against the Commercial Seal Hunt.
Join with local environmental and animal protection advocates in your area and across the country and register your opposition to Canada's annual slaughter of harp and hooded seals, set to get started in just a few weeks.
Toronto Anti-Seal Hunt Rally
March 14th, 2009
1:45 - 3:00 pm
Yonge & Dundas Square
Facebook event page
RSVP Contact: Ellie Dickson, edickson@ifaw.org
The 'Harper Seals' band will be performing for 30 minutes as a way to raise awareness about the commercial seal hunt. Songs include 'Do you really want to hurt me' and 'Staying alive'. So bring your friends and family, make your own posters and signs and come out to the event to have your voice heard!
To find the most up-to-date information on the event being planned for your area as well as other events being organized across the country visit the website of the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Interested in knowing who else in your area is participating? Each event has its own page on Facebook.
Animal Alliance of Canada will be at the rally with a video camera for those who'd like to record a personal message of opposition to the seal hunt. These video messages will be sent to Members of the European Parliament who will be voting next month on a resolution which could ban all harp and hooded seal products from Canada. If you are unable to attend the rally on Saturday, you can schedule a time to be videotaped at Animal Alliance of Canada's office at 221 Broadview Avenue anytime between 10am - 7pm this Saturday or Sunday by contacting Lia at 416-462-9591x 24 or email lia@animalalliance.ca.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) supports the efforts of those groups that are working to end Canada's commercial seal hunt, on the grounds that the hunt, as it's being conducted, is exceedingly cruel and unnecessary.
***
This message was sent by:
World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)
90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 960 Toronto, Ontario, M4P 2Y3, Canada
Join with local environmental and animal protection advocates in your area and across the country and register your opposition to Canada's annual slaughter of harp and hooded seals, set to get started in just a few weeks.
Toronto Anti-Seal Hunt Rally
March 14th, 2009
1:45 - 3:00 pm
Yonge & Dundas Square
Facebook event page
RSVP Contact: Ellie Dickson, edickson@ifaw.org
The 'Harper Seals' band will be performing for 30 minutes as a way to raise awareness about the commercial seal hunt. Songs include 'Do you really want to hurt me' and 'Staying alive'. So bring your friends and family, make your own posters and signs and come out to the event to have your voice heard!
To find the most up-to-date information on the event being planned for your area as well as other events being organized across the country visit the website of the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Interested in knowing who else in your area is participating? Each event has its own page on Facebook.
Animal Alliance of Canada will be at the rally with a video camera for those who'd like to record a personal message of opposition to the seal hunt. These video messages will be sent to Members of the European Parliament who will be voting next month on a resolution which could ban all harp and hooded seal products from Canada. If you are unable to attend the rally on Saturday, you can schedule a time to be videotaped at Animal Alliance of Canada's office at 221 Broadview Avenue anytime between 10am - 7pm this Saturday or Sunday by contacting Lia at 416-462-9591x 24 or email lia@animalalliance.ca.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) supports the efforts of those groups that are working to end Canada's commercial seal hunt, on the grounds that the hunt, as it's being conducted, is exceedingly cruel and unnecessary.
***
This message was sent by:
World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)
90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 960 Toronto, Ontario, M4P 2Y3, Canada
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