There is some discussion regarding protesters during out Vancouver Winter Olympics. While I am not a hunter, I have found some interesting conversations around this issue on Bill Anderson's site.He wrote, in part...
If You’re Against Seal Hunting…
After all, I am Canadian and I am not against the seal hunt.
The article shares the thoughts of an anti-seal hunting organization by interviewing a key figure in that organization. In the article, I read the following line,
"The majority of Canadians across the country may want the hunt banned, but because of key marginal seats in fishing constituencies in the east, it would take a brave politician to stand up and call for an end to it. Entire Article Here"
In case, in the slimmest of hopes, there is some credibility to this outrageous claim, I would like to remind the public that those against the seal hunt are against the following:
And Bill goes on to cite those who eat beef, poultry, wear leather... you know the story. The press continues around this issue, but I wonder about it all.
Aboriginal hunters have not hunted white seals since 1987. It is interesting hearing the animal lovers who protest.
Randy Jenkins, Director, Enforcement, Fisheries and Oceans Canada – The hunting of harp seal pups known as white coats, or blue backs (the hooded seal pups), is illegal in Canada and has been since 1987. No person shall commercially hunt these animals and the Marine Mammal Regulations prohibit to buy, sell, trade or barter of these pelts.
Phil Jenkins, Spokesperson, Fisheries and Oceans Canada – For the sealers that take part in the seal hunt it's a very important activity for them. Some sealers reports that they can make up to 25 to 30 per cent of their annual income just from the seal hunt. At the same time, those sealers will go on later in the season to fish for groundfish, shrimp, crab. So all together, all these activities, including sealing, are very important to the sealers. And you know for people who want to remain in their coastal communities in Canada, some of which are very remote, and where there isn't much other economic opportunity, it's, sealing is very important for them. And the products that they, that come from sealing are everything from fur, to leather to oil. Seal oil capsules are becoming a health, a very popular health supplement. And so, there's a wide range of products, including these of course, that help contribute to the economies of these coastal communities.
Yes, Indian Culture is rich. Respect for the slain animal, in a prayer, honours the sacrifice. The cycle of life complete. The ceremony with our Governor General countered a lot of critical talk when she participated and eat the heart of a seal.
- Gov. Gen. eats slice of slaughtered seal's raw heart to show support for hunt
- The harp seal population is healthy and abundant
- Seals are not skinned alive
- Seals can only be killed using a regulated instrument approved by the Marine Mammal Regulations Any other methods of killing the animal are illegal.
- Canadian Government Make Slight Changes to Seal Hunt Regulations
- Seal Product Ban: Passes EU Panel
- Canada To Protest Seal Product Ban
CBC News - Canada - FAQs: The Atlantic seal hunt
27 Jul 2009 ... There are few issues more controversial in Canada and around the world than the annual seal hunt that takes place in the waters and on theCanada's 2009 Seal Hunt
“We have made representations at all levels of the EU to inform them that the Canadian seal hunt is sustainable, humane and closely monitored,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. “Our government will continue to counter the misinformation campaign by the anti-seal hunt lobby groups, and we will continue to defend the interests and livelihoods of Canadian sealers.”- Canada Requests WTO Consultations on EU Seal Products Ban
November 2, 2009 (Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada) - Political animals
The Economist, May 14, 2009 - True lies about the seal hunt
The Telegram, Brian Jones, May 8, 2009
No comments:
Post a Comment