Peta condemns Namibian seal cull

NAMIBIA runs the risk of international markets boycotting its fish products if the current approach to seal harvesting continues, according to the world’s largest animal rights organisation, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta).

Peta has now added its voice to other environmental groups lobbying Namibia to put an end to the culling of seals, particularly nursing pups. In a letter to Fisheries Minister Abraham Iyambo, a campaigner for Peta’s European affiliate, Yvonne Taylor, wrote that Namibia’s annual seal harvesting is renowned for being “the cruellest seal hunt on the planet” because it is the only country which still allows nursing pups to be killed.”Citizens around the world have been shocked and sickened by images of still nursing baby seals, many with their mother’s milk spilling from their mouths, being clubbed and stabbed to death while their grieving mothers bellow helplessly nearby,” said Taylor.Iyambo has gone on record several times since the seal-culling season started in July, claiming that an overpopulation of seals is at the root of dwindling fish stocks in Namibian waters.To this Taylor reacted: “Nothing can be further from the truth.In the past few years seal populations have endured massive reductions due to starvation…The Namibian Government has come up with every excuse imaginable for this barbaric slaughter, except for the real motive behind it – profit….scientific studies have shown that over-fishing is to blame for the depletion of fish – not seals.The Cape fur seals in your country are killed predominantly for profit.”She said the sought-after fur of pups as well as skins and genitals of adult male seals were the driving force behind this year’s increased quota of 85 000 pups and 6 000 bulls – in total 21 000 more than last year.Iyambo has invited experts and animal welfare groups to come up with more humane ways of harvesting seals.”[This] begs us to point out that there is no kind way to rip the skin from any animal’s back,” Taylor wrote to the Minister.She warned of the possible negative effect Namibia’s seal-harvesting policy could have on tourism in the country.”Compassionate people from around the world are not willing to spend their money in a country that continues to kill baby seals.For Namibia to move into the 21st century and become a world player, it must leave the barbaric seal hunt behind.”Taylor said Namibia is under global scrutiny now and runs the risk of international markets boycotting Namibian fish products, as happened in Canada because of that country’s cruel and persistent seal culling.”Stop turning a blind eye to suffering by calling for an end to Namibia’s shameful seal hunt once and for all,” she concluded.In a letter to Fisheries Minister Abraham Iyambo, a campaigner for Peta’s European affiliate, Yvonne Taylor, wrote that Namibia’s annual seal harvesting is renowned for being “the cruellest seal hunt on the planet” because it is the only country which still allows nursing pups to be killed.”Citizens around the world have been shocked and sickened by images of still nursing baby seals, many with their mother’s milk spilling from their mouths, being clubbed and stabbed to death while their grieving mothers bellow helplessly nearby,” said Taylor.Iyambo has gone on record several times since the seal-culling season started in July, claiming that an overpopulation of seals is at the root of dwindling fish stocks in Namibian waters.To this Taylor reacted: “Nothing can be further from the truth.In the past few years seal populations have endured massive reductions due to starvation…The Namibian Government has come up with every excuse imaginable for this barbaric slaughter, except for the real motive behind it – profit….scientific studies have shown that over-fishing is to blame for the depletion of fish – not seals.The Cape fur seals in your country are killed predominantly for profit.”She said the sought-after fur of pups as well as skins and genitals of adult male seals were the driving force behind this year’s increased quota of 85 000 pups and 6 000 bulls – in total 21 000 more than last year.Iyambo has invited experts and animal welfare groups to come up with more humane ways of harvesting seals.”[This] begs us to point out that there is no kind way to rip the skin from any animal’s back,” Taylor wrote to the Minister.She warned of the possible negative effect Namibia’s seal-harvesting policy could have on tourism in the country.”Compassionate people from around the world are not willing to spend their money in a country that continues to kill baby seals.For Namibia to move into the 21st century and become a world player, it must leave the barbaric seal hunt behind.”Taylor said Namibia is under global scrutiny now and runs the risk of international markets boycotting Namibian fish products, as happened in Canada because of that country’s cruel and persistent seal culling.”Stop turning a blind eye to suffering by calling for an end to Namibia’s shameful seal hunt once and for all,” she concluded.