Keep Seal Trade Ban in European Union
In a hearing with the World Trade Organization expected to take place in mid February 2013, Canada and Norway will challenge the European Union Seal Trade Ban.
Canada and Norway continue to dismiss the concern and outrage of millions of Europeans as well as their right to reject products which are the result of animal suffering, as it is inherently impossible to kill seals in a humane manner.
The collective outcry of millions of European citizens brought the cruel trade in commercial seal products in the European Union (EU) to a shuddering stop in August 2010 with landmark legislation.
Ask to World Trade Organization to confirm that countries are entitled to introduce trade restrictions and trade bans on the basis of "public morality” and “animal welfare”.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/236/451/719/keep-seal-ban-in-the-european-union/
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is reportedly branding (i.e., burning!) sea lions so that officials can tell which animals are eating protected salmon. Once identified, the sea lions will be gunned down!
Nearby residents have reportedly observed men herding these gentle animals into traps only to burn their flesh repeatedly with a blazing-hot iron. Billows of smoke have allegedly been seen rising into the air during these assaults, and victims have been described as "[lying] on the docks trembling"—an indication of extreme stress or pain.
Every year, the Canadian government allows sealers to shoot and bash in the heads of baby seals. Sealers then hook the seals in the eye, cheek, or mouth and drag them across the ice in order to avoid damaging their delicate fur.
Many of the seals have not even eaten their first solid
meal or taken their first swim before they are killed.
https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=4121
President Obama's proposed budget for 2014 eliminates the only federal grant support for marine mammal stranding response.
The John H. Prescott Stranding Grant Program is a very small part of the overall U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) budget -- but it has a HUGE impact on the ability of the many stranding response organizations - like IFAW -- to do their lifesaving work.
Our team of six biologists and a veterinarian, as well as over 200 trained volunteers, work tirelessly to respond to stranded dolphins, whales, porpoises and seals.
Please contact your congressional representative today to ask them to reinstate this crucial grant.
The clock is ticking on what’s likely our last chance to weigh in on the Keystone XL Pipeline before the President makes his decision.
Experts are saying that it’s “game over” for the climate if the plan moves forward. And Exxon’s recent pipeline spill in Arkansas highlights just how underprepared oil companies are to respond to inevitable pipeline failures.
The stakes for the State Department’s public comment period couldn’t be higher. We must send a clear message to the Obama administration that Americans oppose this dangerous project.
The comment period is ending soon and time is running out. Click here to submit your comment telling President Obama to reject the Keystone XL Pipeline.
