Look Out for Seals campaign wins MSP acclaim

Thursday, 05 November 2009 12:53

On 29th October the Scottish Parliament held its first full debate on the Marine (Scotland) Bill and, though it proposes measures across a wide range of areas, there was one topic that dominated discussion.

Advocates for Animals' LOOK OUT FOR SEALS campaign has driven home the importance of protecting Scotland's world renowned seal populations from those who would shoot them. Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur told Parliament: "In the sensitive issue of seal protection, I congratulate Advocates for Animals on the way in which they have made their case".

Further support for LOOK OUT FOR SEALS came from Scottish Green MSP Robin Harper who supports Advocates for Animals' total ban on the shooting of seals in their breeding seasons when he told Parliament that this is normal for land-based mammals, so it should be the case for sea mammals such as seals.

Scottish Labour Party's Elaine Murray highlighted the success of LOOK OUT FOR SEALS when she mentioned the high number of responses to the Bill, with over 98% of respondents calling for greater protection for seals.

There is still much to do but our message is being heard. We need everyone to contact their MSP to ensure that they support amendments to the Bill which will prohibit the shooting of seals during their breeding seasons. And remember to visit http://onekind.org.uk/onekind-campaigns/lookout-for-seals to watch Bonnie's Tale, narrated by the legendary actor Richard Briers, and forward it to your friends.