28/03/2008

Press Left In The Cold Over Seal Cull

The Department of Fisheries for Canada has refused press access to the annual baby seal cull in the Gulf of St Lawrence and Newfoundland.

Sixty observers asked to be allowed to watch the shooting and clubbing of about 275,000 baby harp seals.

Canada says that the cull is an important source of income for poor maritime communities, who make millions annually from seal meat and pelts.

The practise is widely criticised however and Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, says the cull is "senseless and archaic".

The Canadian Government will also come under pressure this year from the European Union as it is considering launching trade sanctions in a bid to ban the practise.

Animal rights group Sea Shepherd Society has vowed to document the slaughter this year and ignore government warning to keep out of culling zones.

(DS/JM)


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