This year Canada has sanctioned the largest mass slaughter of marine mammals in the world, with commercial licences legalising the killing of over 325,000 seals in March and April.

According to campaigners, “The Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announced a kill quota of 975,000 baby and adult harp seals and 30,000 adult hood seals over a 3-year period (from 2003-2005).”

The day of protest is being organised through Harpseals.org with events taking place in 26 countries with efforts concentrted throughout north america. Campaigners are focusing their protests on Canadaian embassies and consulates.

Harpseals.org comments: “For over half a century, compassionate people have tried to put an end to the senseless killing of baby harp seals in Canada; yet it continues to this day. This year marks the second of three years of planned massacres to total almost 1 million killed. So far, hundreds of thousands of helpless baby seals and their mothers have been brutalized and murdered for the sake of dollars and hubris. It's a nursery bloodbath beyond comprehension.”

There are two protests in the UK:

* London
Tuesday, March 15, 12 noon
Canada House in Trafalgar Square
Contact:  vega01uk@yahoo.co.uk

* Edinburgh
Tuesday, March 15, 11:00-12:00 noon
Consulate of Canada, 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square


Harpseals:  http://www.harpseals.org
Sea Shepherd:  http://www.seashepherd.org