Local MEP calls for end to barbaric seal hunt

A local Euro-MP has voted to end the barbaric slaughter of Canadian seal pups that campaigners say are often clubbed to death and sometimes skinned alive.

Around 300,000 seals are killed each year off the east coast of Canada making it the biggest such seal hunt in the world. Hunters typically shoot the seals with rifles or bludgeon them to death with spiked clubs. Anti-hunt campaigners claim some seals are skinned while still conscious.

The animal's pelts, fat and meat are sold across the globe for use in products ranging from waterproof jackets to pet food.

Voting in the European Parliament's environment committee, local MEP Chris Davies supported a ban on EU imports of seal products from the Canadian hunt.

The Liberal Democrat said: "A huge majority of people across Europe are strongly opposed to this cruel trade, and their concerns are shared even by people in Canada.

"I'm glad that the European Commission has got the message and tabled these proposals."

Scientists predict that if Canada's commercial seal hunt continues at the current levels the harp seal population could be reduced by 70% over the next 15 years.