"Like me, youve probably seen the horrifying images of helpless baby seals being beaten and shot for their fur. Wounded seals left to suffer in agony. Conscious pups sliced open. And the reason for their pain? So that someone can sell their fur.
For so many years, weve tried to stop this
senseless brutality. Today, you and I have a chance to
stop this cruelty forever.
Twenty-five years ago, the European Union made
history when it ended its trade in products from newborn harp seals. Commercial
seal hunting in some countries came to a virtual standstill, and countless baby
seals were saved. But the hunters began to kill the pups when they were slightly
older -- and the products from those seals are legally traded in the EU. Today,
some commercial seal hunts are twice as large as they were when the EU first
took action.
But there is new hope for the seals.
The EU is considering ending all seal product trade in the European
Union, regardless of the age of the seals. This move would save
millions of seals from brutal slaughter, and help put a final end to commercial
seal hunting globally.
Right now, the EU is asking people around the
world to submit their opinions on the historic proposal. Please take a few minutes today to
tell the European Union you fully support a ban on seal product
trade.
Im lucky: I was able to visit a harp seal
nursery in Canadas Gulf of St. Lawrence before the hunters descended. The sight
of mothers and their pups on the pristine ice is one I wont forget, and Ive
committed myself to working to preserve that wondrous spectacle for generations
to come.
Commercial seal hunting doesnt simply cause
unimaginable suffering to the seals; it is also dehumanizing and often dangerous
work, contributing very little to the incomes of the hunters. A European Union
ban on all seal product trade would force nations where seal huting has taken
place to invest in real alternatives -- jobs that will provide safe and
sustainable futures.
Lets work together to make a better life for
seals and people. Say no to the cruel trade in seal products in the European
Union. It doesnt matter where you live -- your voice counts. Please take action to save the seals
today.
The deadline for the European Union to
hear your views is February 13.
Sincerely,
Paul McCartney
http://www.hsus.org/about_us/humane_society_international_hsi/seal_trade_ban.html