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On Wednesday, the European Union (EU) requested to its member states to ban the import of seal fur to protest against the repugnant practices that are carried out in Canada and other places where the seals are killed.

According to EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas and several press reports,  the main objective of this proposal is to ban the cruel hunting methods, starting from the next season.

The measure is directed mainly against Canada, where the hunters were authorized to kill 275,000 baby harp seals on the Atlantic coast of the country this spring. That is to say, about two thirds of the young seals killed each year, out of a population of about 16 million.

The Canadian Government had warned that some measures would be implemented if the European Commission insists on this matter.

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In a press conference, the organizations denounced the methods used in order to kill seals in Canada, because those methods ignore rules and requirements on animal welfare.

In 2006, the European Parliament had approved a proposal to prohibit fur (and other seal products) trading in the EU.

This accusation was made by some European organizations like IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), Eurogroup for Animals and GAIA. These organizations are supported by European parliamentarians like Caroline Lucas (Green MEPs).

The associations have clarified this action is not against the traditional seal hunt that Eskimos practice in the arctic coast of Canada, because they fulfill the standards of animal welfare. Besides, the Eskimos contribute only 1% of the total hunting.

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