A Better Outlook for Seals?
Thursday, 30 April 2009 00:00
Advocates for Animals continues to call for better protection for seals in Scotland as the Scottish Government announces its intention to repeal the ineffective Conservation of Seals Act 1970.
Advocates for Animals welcomes the provision in the draft Marine (Scotland) Bill for a ban on the shooting of seals in Scotland. The Bill, introduced to the Scottish Parliament yesterday, makes it an offence for anyone to kill, injure or take a live seal, except for humane purposes or under licence. However, Advocates for Animals warns that licences must only be granted in exceptional circumstances and must contain animal welfare provisions, which are not shown in the Bill as drafted.
Advocates for Animals’ Political Director, Libby Anderson, said: “This is a potential success for seals and animal lovers across Scotland. Whereas the Conservation of Seals Act did nothing of the sort, the measures outlined in the new Marine Bill represent a positive step towards protecting our seals.
“We need to see much more protection for seals, and much more attention to welfare, in the proposed licences, but we look forward to working with the Scottish Government to develop and fine tune the legislation.”
Advocates for Animals wants to say a huge “thank you” to the thousands of supporters who have participated in the LOOK OUT for SEALS campaign so far. Almost 4,000 people sent LOOK OUT for SEALS postcards and messages to the Scottish Government’s public consultation on the Marine (Scotland) Bill. The efforts of our supporters to secure better legal protection for seals are to be celebrated today. Together we will continue to press for full protection for these beautiful creatures.
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“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."
