One million...
That's how many baby seals have been slaughtered senselessly in the past three years.
If you add the adult seals, the number is even greater than that.

Canada's annual seal hunt is the largest commercial hunt of marine mammals in the world. Harp seals are the primary target; but to a smaller extent, hooded seals are killed as well. In 2006, ninety-eight percent of the harp seals that were killed were pups under three months of age; and even some as young as three days old.

The methods used in this hunt is considered cruel and inhumane. Most of the 'sealers' use hakapiks (large ice-pick-like clubs) and wooden clubs. Some may use guns- but it's not very often because they get charged $2 for every bullet hole or bullet that is in the fur when they turn the fur into the main sealskin processing plant.
The seal slaughter consists of these innocent creatures being bludgeoned to death with clubs and ice-picks and/or being skinned alive while conscious.

Other unacceptable levels of cruelty include sealers dragging conscious seals across the ice with boat hooks and shooting seals, leaving them there to suffer in agony when the first shot doesn't kill them.

Seals are killed primarily for their fur for fashion garments and other items; and there is also a small market for seal oil- for industrial purposes and human consumption.
The hunt is from November 15-May 15; but the hunting mostly takes place in late March and throughout the month of April. Each hunting season, the quota is set. However, many times over, the quota is surpassed by thousands more and nothing is done about it.

For example, in 2002, the Canadian government knowingly allowed the sealers to exceed the quota by more than thirty-seven thousand seals. In 2004, the sealers once again exceeded the quota by killing sixteen thousand more than what was permitted. Both times, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans extended the hunt through June. (according to www.hsus.org)

The Canadian Seal hunt is subsidized by both the Canadian government and the Norwegian government.

This cruel and senseless hunt saddens me. So, what can we do?? Well, you can visit www.protectseals.org and learn more. Sign the pledge to boycott all Canadian seafood and other products. Write letters to the Canadian government. Sign Petitions.

There's a lot you can do-

The real question should be: Do you care enough to do anything????

Today's Candle:

Every post, I will put up a "candle" in honor of something.

Today's candle is going to honor animal rights and welfare.

Today's Video:

Caution: May contain graphic images.

Until next post, love and light. Blessed Be.