The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is disappointed that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will be opening the commercial seal hunt early this year,allowing sealers to hunt while harp seal pups are still nursing. Traditionally, the annual hunt off the coast of Newfoundland is closed until mid-April to allow mothers to give birth to their pups and nurse without disruption. This annual closure is one of the few protections in region for these ice dependent species.
According to media reports, and the early opening of the hunt will only be for a select group of sealers,specifically to hunt male adult harp seals. However, it is virtually impossible to discern adult male harp seals from females at a distance and it is unclear how this condition will be enforced. Opening the annual slaughter before pups are weaned increases the risk that nursing females will be killed, and leaving their pups to starve to death. Hunting during this time will also disrupt mating,potentially endangering the next generation of harp seals.“DFO is revoking its own protections and caving to the demands of industry by allowing the commercial slaughter of seals during a period that is critical for nursing and reproduction.” said Sheryl Fink, Director of Canadian Wildlife Campaigns at IFAW.…
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Source: freesun.be