RSPCA welcomes upholding of seal fur ban as ‘game changing’
Historic seal fur ban upheld
The RSPCA has a hailed an historic decision by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to uphold a ban on seal products that are a product of the cruel seal hunting industry.
In 2010 the EU ban prohibited the trade in products from all commercial seal hunts, including those in Canada, Namibia and Norway (although it does not affect sealing by Inuit and other indigenous peoples).
At the time animal welfare groups including the RSPCA, WSPA, the Humane Society International and Eurogroup argued that commercial seal hunting, in countries such as Canada, where the mammals are clubbed or shot for their fur, is both 'cruel and unnecessary'.
Following the 2010 ban, the Canadian Government appealed to have the ban overturned, but yesterday (25 November) this appeal was rejected by the WTO.
“This is an historic decision – it is the first time that a moral defence has been upheld in entirety and that in itself is game changing,” said David Bowles, head of RSPCA public affairs
“This decision is not only important for animal welfare but it could also affect the way Governments treat other social issues such as improving standards on child labour going forward.”
In a written decision published on Monday, the WTO rejected the appeal from Canada against a 2010 ban, stating it was valid because of a public morals clause. A similar decision was filed against a challenge brought against the ban by Norway, another country that allows a commercial seal hunt.
Although the Canada's seal hunt is much smaller than it was years ago, it continues to generate controversy.
The commercial seal hunt off Newfoundland last spring landed about 91,000 harp seals, up from 69,000 the year before but far short of the federal quota of 400,000.
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Notes for editors
About 900,000 seals are hunted around the world each year, according to the European Commission.
Other countries with commercial hunts include Greenland and Namibia.
Countries with bans on imported seal products include the U.S., Mexico, Russia and Taiwan.
An EU court last year upheld the EU embargo, saying it's valid because it fairly harmonizes the EU market while protecting the economic and social interests of Inuit communities.
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