Euro-MPs fight to end sealpup slaughter

3.52.22pm GMT Thu 7th Sep 2006

London's Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Baroness Sarah Ludford is urging an end to the European import of seal furs and skins which fuel the often cruel commercial slaughter of very young seals.

More than one and a half million seal pups have been slaughtered in the North West Atlantic in the last four years. Vets estimate that 42% of these seals were skinned whilst still conscious. Over 20 years ago the EU banned the import of 'whitecoat' sealpups but the slaughters now wait 12-14 days for the pups to moult.

Explaining her decision to sign the European Parliament's written declaration, which calls for new legislation to ban the import, export and sale of seal products in Europe, Baroness Ludford said:

"The vast majority of seals being slaughtered are less than three months old. Combined with the dramatic growth in the sheer number of seals being killed each year, this has worrying implications for the overall seal population."

"I have received overwhelming support from constituents who share my determination that this cruel practice must be stopped. Combined with action currently being considered at Westminster, this declaration by MEPs is an important step towards bringing the slaughter to an end."

"I have sought assurances that any future legislation will not impact the traditional and sustainable seal hunt and trade of the Inuit and Sami peoples, which in any case largely concerns adult animals."

If half of MEPs (367) sign the declaration, it will be the subject of a debate in the plenary of the European Parliament.