The Seal Hunt

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[canron]

get this out of here...stop killing cows i donnt like hamburgers!!!!!

 

[Belle1997]

I know this may sound stupid but could I have more info on this. I do not know why they club them. Why is that and what would be a more humane way. And why do they have the seal hunt. I would like links to both sides.

 

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[tone.def]

Okay, let me stir the pot... (and by saying this, I do cry at the vision or thought of these defencless seals bodied and dead on the ice) what else are the inuit going to do to survive (food and income), it's not like they can grow potatoes

Are they supposed to starve, be cold and poorer than they are now?

This has been their way of life for many centuries, before we settled here. What right do we have to tell them to stop? Do they tell us to how to live our lives? If you can think of other income generators for them, by all means, pass your thoughts on.

 

[brooker]

I can honestly say most people in this country are completely against this barbaric practice which is days away. What also concerns me is a remark made by a Disser implying that it is about eskimos and survival. I already gave that poster my 2 cents. Feel free to add your Canadian comments and please sign the petition and the information I have provided below to show support to stop this terrible embarrassment to our country and the incredible suffering these animals endure.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1392619

Prime Minister's Office
Right Honorable Stephen Harper
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington St. Ottawa
Ontario, Canada K1A OA2
1-613-992-4211
Fax: 613-941-6900
E-mail: pm@pm.gc.ca

The Hon. Loyola Hearn.
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
House of Commons
Suite 648-S, Centre Block
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
613-996-3085 or 613-992-3474
Fax: 613-996-6988
Email: HearnL@parl.gc.ca
Voice: 613-992-0927

Apparently the very large majority are killed by rifle, on the occasion this doesn't kill the animal right away they club it with a device called a hakapik( I think its spelled right). Don't believe what these animal rights groups show you. They show baby seals being killed which hasn't happened in 20 years. Its all about playing our your emotions to get you to donate and fatten their wallets. It is only because it occurs on the white ice that it looks so bad. Can you imagine walking into a pig or beef or any other animal slaughter house? I am sure it is a terrible picture. Aren't cows killed by a blow to the head also? But the same people who protest against this hunt probably talk about in a restaurant while eating a striploin steak with a side of ribs. Before you judge anyone, do the research and read about both sides.....then judge accordingly.

 

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[brooker]

Cattle are raised as a form of food for the human population. Cattle are not killed by a blow to the head. I suggest you check your source.

I don't believe at anytime was I suggesting people on the board "fatten these peoples wallets" by donating cash. What I did suggest was if anyone is uncomfortable with this practice they could gather the required information provided and express their concerns individually. Those who choose not to support it are entitled to do so. I suggest you take some of your own advice.

I think we both may be misinformed. If a cow is killed by a gun does it make it any better? I am willing to bet you own some type of leather product, so is that any better than owning a seal skin coat? I also know that seal oil is a good source of omega 3 which is important for good health. I have no interest in starting a flame war, but when I clicked on the link you provided the first thing shown is a picture of a baby seal, which is not hunted. These groups simply play on peoples emotions to help their cause. I am from a province that still hunt seals. I have never hunted a seal myself nor do I have any family member that ever has. It just makes me mad when people jump on a bandwagon by only getting half a story.

 

[Reese]

I can honestly say most people in this country are completely against this barbaric practice which is days away. What also concerns me is a remark made by a Disser implying that it is about eskimos and survival. I already gave that poster my 2 cents. Feel free to add your Canadian comments and please sign the petition and the information I have provided below to show support to stop this terrible embarrassment to our country and the incredible suffering these animals endure.

When the inuit hunt seals they do so to survive. They do not stockpile more than they will need to sell to the highest bidder. Nor do they hunt just to have more than their neighbours. This is a tradition that has kept their people alive. Last time I checked my butcher never thanked the creator for this gift nor used every part of this creature that he kills. Seals are cute yes, so is Bambi so are you also as appalled at the thought of the deer hunt?

 

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[Jaime]

I posted on the other form...I am not for or against it nor do I know anyone involved in the seal hunt…this is what I always understood about the current seal hunt…

The beautiful white coat baby seals they always show in the pictures...they are not even part of the seal hunt...and they do not “club” seal anymore and haven’t for a while... what I understand about the current seal hunt ...the large majority of seals are killed by rifle if this doesn't kill the animal right away they then "club" it to stop it from suffering. I am confused why they want us to base our opinions on 20 year old information and not current information. I guess cute animals make it easier to get support and money and maybe the current seal hunt a little too humane for them to get the support they need. Why else would they only give dated information? I really don't think killing anything is humane though but that is part of the circle of life

 

[Jaime]

This is only my personal opinion and fortunately you are free to disagree, however I believe because Newfoundland is so financially oppressed the Government subsidizes the seal hunt to allow these people to survive. These seals are not hunted for "survival" for their meat but mostly for their pelts which are exported and the seal oils. If these 325,000 were being used a food source to feed families in need I would support it however doing it for pure financial gain by the sale and export of pelts concerns me. The method in which the animals are being harvested is yes graphic however my personal opinion is based on facts not emotions.

Hi...WOW...I have been a while trying if figure out if I would even respond to this. I am sure you are a very nice person and didn’t want to insult me, my family & friends the way you did! Newfoundland is always picked on unfairly based on the past. It leaves people who have never been here with the wrong impression. When ever Newfoundland is showcased on TV it seems as though they always look for the oldest/hardest/poorest places to show. This is not the majority.

Why do you keep referring to Newfoundlanders and Inuit in Canada being the only sealers? Other provinces are involved. Newfoundland like Alberta is now using the oil industry as one of their main sources of financial income. We are just in the earlier stages.

I was in Calgary last year and thought Alberta was a beautiful place and found the people friendly...we did notice though that our salary is better in Newfoundland than it would be in Calgary and that the housing market in Calgary is crazy! A house that would cost $225 here would cost $450 in Calgary that is if you could find one to buy.

As for the seal industry… I have a large family and a lot of friends in Newfoundland and in the other Atlantic Provinces and I actually do not know anyone who is involved with the seal industry...and we do not need the seal hunt to survive.

I do believe that there should be a balance and do believe that if the seal population gets to large it will cause problems with the environment...but it should be balanced...and from what I understand about the current seal hunt it is as "humane" as killing any animal could be. Not really sure where your facts come from…your numbers seem to be right but reasoning seems very opinionated and not factual…every province including Alberta has areas where people need financial help!

 

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[True North]

Again my opinion is based on facts not emotions and assumptions.

I have to disagree with this to some extent. Your OP stated that most Canadians don't support the hunt. All scientific poles done to date state the opposite. That is why there has not been any movement in response to the many online poles signed by international citizens. All major political parties support the seal hunt. Even Green Party leader Elizabeth May supports the hunt.


In general, (aka, I'm not talking to a specific poster on this thread or anywhere else,) it is so easy for people to say they don't support the seal hunt when they have little information on the history, cultural ties, and environmental impact behind the hunt. This is the case of almost anyone you get to sign a petition on the dis. Yes, there will be some that have done some research, however to the majority it's an easy thing to sign. Sadly, people from other countries can easily get upset about the hunt because red blood shows up a lot better on white snow then it does in a green and brown forest.

 

[Jaime]

I have been to Newfoundland and more than once. My reference to Newfoundland is based on the fact that 70% of the seals hunted are on “The Front.”(the northeast coast). Yes people on the Gulf of St. Lawrence were also involved, that part of the seal hunt has been closed due to overkill (quotas being exceeded).

You indicated I insulted your friends and your family but on the flipside also indicated that none of your family and friends work in the sealing industry. So in essence I have not insulted anyone close to you.
Not everyone works in the sealing industry just as not everyone works in the oil and gas industry in Alberta. My comments are based on the approx 5000 people who do work in the sealing industry not the thousands that don’t.

What appears to be happening is you feel I am insulting Newfoundland personally and somehow your personal feelings are causing you to assume that I am also insulting your family and friends. If salaries are making life so fulfilling in Newfoundland and the pricing of housing is considerably lower why is so many people from Newfoundland moving to Alberta to work?

Again my opinion is based on facts not emotions and assumptions.

Thank you for clarifying...the family and friends I am referring to are Newfoundlanders and in your original post I read it as the way it was written "I believe because Newfoundland is so financially oppressed the Government subsidizes the seal hunt to allow these people to survive." After reading your last post I now understand that you were saying that the sealers are so financially oppressed the Government subsidizes the seal hunt to allow these people to survive...and not Newfoundland. Is the seal hunt really subsidized by the government? It is sanctioned and regulated by the government.

"If salaries are making life so fulfilling in Newfoundland and the pricing of housing is considerably lower why is so many people from Newfoundland moving to Alberta to work?" I was referring to our salary I do not know what everyone makes. We went to Calgary with my husbands company for a sixth month term as they were short staff, we were asked to stay but the salary would have been 10%less then here. We looked at housing in Calgary and due to the amount of work available the housing market went up $120,000 in the 6 month we were there. Housing is cheaper here compared to Calgary. The reality is there is a lot more work in Alberta than Newfoundland and unskilled labor gets paid better in Alberta than in Newfoundland. As I said before there are people every where who need financial help.

 

[F4disneyfan]

On with the hunt I have no problems with this hunt and come on being shot and used for food and clothing sounds like a cow the difference is that people see that cute little seal face and think it is more than it truly is it is an animal like a cow or pig or chicken etc. No problems here I have to say they have every right to hunt the little critters.

 

[declansdad]

I have yet to see any poll that says the majority of Canadians are opposed to the seal hunt. I don't think the average person has enough information to make an informed opinion. Both side present their information that is obviousy biased towards their point of view. I also don't consider wikipedia to be a completely credible source because anyone can edit/add informatin to their database.

Here are some things that I do know:

1. The vast majority of seals are shot with a rifle not clubbed to death.

2. They do not hunt the white baby seals.

3. The majority of the east-coaster involved in the hunt have very few options when it comes to the livelyhood of their families.

4. Cattle are killed with a pelet to the brain and then they are hung and blooded.

 

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[declansdad]

You are correct. I apoligize if my personal opinions offended anyone, their friends and families or their province. Here is a reputable source of information for people who have questions:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/sealhunt/

Very good article, thanks. It doesn't seem to support your opinion though.