EU seal trade ban welcomed but Scotland’s seals in danger
Friday, 20 November 2009 12:42
Animal welfare organisations celebrated some fantastic news on 20 November as European legislation banning the trade of seal products came into force.
However whilst this is a strong step forward, supported by millions across Europe, Advocates for Animals believes we should look carefully at what happens on our own shores.
90 per cent of the UK’s internationally-important populations of harbour and grey seals are in Scottish waters. The Marine (Scotland) Bill is changing the system in Scotland so that no-one can kill a seal in Scotland without a licence. But it is possible that licences will be granted for the killing of seals during their breeding seasons, when females are likely to be pregnant or lactating.
Shooting at this time means that pups can die in utero or be aborted; while orphaned dependent pups are likely to starve slowly to death over a period lasting from several days to weeks.
The way to ensure that this does not happen is for the Scottish Parliament Rural Affairs and Environment Committee to support an amendment providing that no licences will be granted for killing seals during their breeding seasons. The establishment of genuine closed seasons would ensure that this unnecessary and unacceptable suffering is brought to an end.
To find out how you can help LOOK OUT for SEALS in Scotland, please click here.
Donate
With your support we can continue towards our vision for OneKind world – that all animals live their natural lives free from exploitation and abuse.
“I find it deplorable that current legislation allows the shooting of seals during the breeding season. A bullet may kill an adult seal outright but for any still dependent pup their ultimate death is preceded by starvation and untold misery.”
Gordon Buchanan
Wildlife film-maker
“Our seals have a tough enough time as it is...pollution, disease, disturbance – all the unfortunate hazards of the modern environment, without being shot during their breeding season. These wonderful animals must not be victims of our own mismanagement of the seas.”
Chris Packham
Conservationist, Writer,
Television Presenter
"I fully support the protection of seals, not only during the breeding season, but all year round - wonderful to see the LOOK OUT for SEALS campaign go ahead."
