Seals letter asks for immediate protection
On Tuesday, Advocates for Animals along with representatives from other conservation and animal welfare organisations handed in a letter to the Scottish Parliament, asking Alex Salmond to provide greater protection for Scotland's seals.
This was a joint action under the banner of the Seal Protection Action Group, and follows on from Advocates' tireless campaigning which has led so far to well over 2,000 people e-mailing the Scottish Government asking for a complete ban on the shooting of seals to be included in the forthcoming Marine Bill.
The letter with its 27 signatories was handed in to Green MSP Robin Harper, who agreed to deliver it to the First Minister. It asks for "immediate and comprehensive" protection in the face of evidence which suggests that seal numbers are falling rapidly.
Our Campaigns Director, Ross Minett stated:
“New research showing continuing declines in seal populations is most concerning and reinforces the need for the Scottish Government to use the new Scottish Marine Bill to give seals full legal protection. Now more than ever there are overwhelming animal welfare and conservation reasons to end the unnecessary killing of seals by members of the fishing and fish farming industries. Advocates for Animals and many other animal welfare and conservation organisations are calling on the Scottish Government to bring this slaughter to an end.”
While admitting that other factors were undoubtedly at play, such as global warming, the letter impressed that the shooting of seals is only going to add to this growing crisis in our waters.
The rally on Tuesday was a colourful affair with one protester wearing a seal costume while others unfurled a banner which read "Ceasefire for seals". We hope that this action and joint letter will help convince those in power that seals are a national treasure which should be protected.
Visit our LOOK OUT for SEALS campaign pages and take action. The official consultation period for the Marine Bill is now over, but you can still make your voice heard.
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Our current campaigns
LOOK OUT for SEALS
Thousands of seals are shot in Scottish waters every year. We think this killing should stop. We are calling on the Scottish Government to include full protection for seals in its new Marine Bill.
Ban snares
Scottish Government Minister for Environment, Michael Russell MSP, recently announced that he has decided not to ban snares and would introduce measures to regulate the continued use of these cruel and indiscriminate traps.
Tesco - Please Go Cage-Free!
After months of campaigning by Advocates and other animal protection groups, Tesco still continues to sell eggs from chickens kept in battery cages. With no room to stand up, stretch their wings or experience the outdoors, battery hens face a short and miserable life behind battery cage bars.
Advocates for Animals is Scotland’s leading animal protection organisation. We effect positive change for animals in Scotland, the UK and beyond through high profile campaigns, political lobbying, investigations and public education.
