1. How big is the Atlantic seal hunt, where is it taking place, and what exactly is being hunted? - Mark V.-
There are federal quotas for three types of seals: harp seals, hooded seals and grey seals. Most of the hunt is for harp seals. The 2006 quota for the commercial harp seal hunt was set at 325,000. The hunt usually opens in March in the "Gulf" areas around the Magdalen Islands and Prince Edward Island. The main hunt on the so-called "front" usually begins in April off the coast of Newfoundland. It's pretty much over by May.
2.Why are you using graphic pictures in your website? -Patricia-
Most people are unaware that Canada's commercial seal hunt continues. But the seal hunt is back—bigger and crueler than ever. The commercial seal hunt occurs miles offshore, far away from a public that would be horrified to witness it. And that is why I show these images. It is not pleasant to see animal suffering. But it is only through observing that we can understand what is happening, and then work to end to the suffering.If I tell you that somewhere in Canada , seals are beign killed by the thousands , if I tell you that most of these seals are babys , if I tell you that some are skinned alive , if I tell you that some are left to die , what will you think ? Maybe , you can be sympathetic , maybe you'll say , -WOW , what a terrible thing!- , but will you really understand what I'm talking about? I doubt it... I believe that you need to see what is going on in order to grasp the reality.
3. Is It Legal to Kill Baby Seals?
Make no mistake: This hunt is still very much one for babies. Ninety-six percent of the seals killed are under three months of age. For an animal who may live more than 35 years, these are babies by any standard. No one is saying that white coats (those under 12 days) are being targeted. However, baby seals may be killed when they are just beginning to lose their white fur and still appear to be a white coat. These seals are called ragged jackets. Most have not yet had their first solid meal or taken their first swim—and they literally have no escape from the hunters.Now , how can you said that a 12 day old seal is not a baby???
4.Tell me more about yourself , like what grade R u in, and what do you do for fun? -Jackie-
I'm in ninth grade , and what I do for fun ah?... well , I like to collect things , like old coins , I have a huge collection , I also like to play video games , I really like to read (mostly history and science books) and I spend a great deal of time on my laptop working on the website , replying to emails and spreading the word.
5. Is it true , that the harp seal is responsible for the collpase of the cod stocks ?
No. At the time of the cod stock collapse off eastern Canada in 1992 it was popular to blame seals. Although the occasional claim that seals were involved in the collapse is still heard, that view is not supported by any available scientific evidence. As early as 1994, two scientists then in the employ of the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) concluded "that the collapse of northern cod can be attributed solely to overexploitation (by humans)."
6. Are you against killing animals in general? What about farm animals?(Amanda)
Fact is:
People eat chicken, pork and beef...(not vegeterians)
NOBODY EATS SEALS ! except some Inuits and Canadian fishermans.The hunt is for the fur.The hunt is just a very little industry ( $ 15 Mio. ). The market is very small ( Norway, China, Russia ). The rest of the world don´t want to buy seal products. The seal hunt is only possible with government support.
In Europe and USA and I believe in Canada as well, most people can´t understand why this bloody, cruel and inhuman hunt is still going on.
That means the hunt is not necessary.
You can´t compare the slaughter of animals like chicken with the seal hunt. I'm not saying that is right to kill these animals , I'm just saying that their meat it's use , that people are getting "something" out of it. I understand that lots of people are against the slaughter of farm animals , that's why some organizations have people working on this issues .
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