To Those Misinformed Seal Hunt Crusaders
Okay, I think by now that most of you know that I'm a Newfoundlander. This post is to the Paul McCartneys, Pam Andersons, and even David Pollards (see An Apology for Canada's Treatment of Animals and later at the bottom of The Weather Makers for his pot shots at this industry).
I'll admit that I haven't read much in the blogsphere on this topic, as it boils my blood so much to read those who are so "oh holier than thou" in their attitude towards an industry that they know little about, only what gets fed to them by the money-making US lobbies. I also throw into this mix those who are selective about which industries that they'll turn their nose up to - which is largely directed at the likes of Paul and Pam (I mean what is the point to hug a cute and cuddly sea pup when they are already protected, expect that peole wouldn't give money to crooks such as the Humaine Society of the United States without that photo op - hugging the seals that are actually part of the hunt just isn't as eye-catching - and let's face it, for these people it is all about the benjamins).
In any regard, one did manage to show up in my Bloglines (other than the ramblings of David Pollard - who I would say falls into the descriptions provided in the previous paragraph). It was titled The Seal Hunt and was posted at eGram@sd40.bc.ca. In a sea of mindless ranting, I think this was one of the first posts that I have seen that makes sense to me.
The author, Randolph Decker, is a Newfoundlander like me. And while he isn't a supporter of the sea fishery (I guess I should have included the disclaimer that I favour a sustainable hunt - and the hunt at current levels is not only sustainable, but has actually allowed the sea herd to grow to the point that it is affecting other species), he asks a basic question - why seals?
When you look at how other animals that we consume on the dinner table, throw over our bodies as a part of a garmet, or use as a source of energy, why single out seals? Where is Pam Anderson to hug the sheep, cows, chickens, etc. of the world that are being raised simply to be killed? Why isn't Paul McCartney bringing dozens of reporters to the slaughter houses in his home country? Why isn't Dave Pollard lamenting about the animals that are force feed, simply to become dinner on our table?
Maybe all of these are animals that we raise for food, but seal is wildlife. I can accept that, if that is the logic. Then why isn't Pam out hugging little rabbits, which are hung in snares or shot as they go about their merry ways? Why isn't Paul bringing his media out to the rivers to save all those helpless trout and salmon? Why is Dave lamenting about the birds, moose, caribou, deer, elk, etc. that are shot for food or in some cases just sport by hunters (including the US VP - I mean come on Dave, an environment lament that allows you to be anti-American at the same time, why aren't you jumping all over this one)?
The answer - seals sell! What these groups and individuals fail to tell you is that seal harvesters use more of the animal than almost any other hunt or commercial slaughter. What these groups and individuals fail to tell you is that the number of seals continues to increase, even with the annual hunt, and continues to affect the health of other fish stocks. What these groups fail to tell you is that those cut animals that they hug and get photographed with are already protected. Like I said, its all about the benjamins for these people!
And Dave, the reason why the hunt was closed due to the seal numbers being down wasn't because the number of seals is decreasing, it was because there was no ice to bring the seals to the locations where the hunt was open (i.e., no seals floating around where they were allowed to be killed).
Tags: seals, Newfoundland
I'll admit that I haven't read much in the blogsphere on this topic, as it boils my blood so much to read those who are so "oh holier than thou" in their attitude towards an industry that they know little about, only what gets fed to them by the money-making US lobbies. I also throw into this mix those who are selective about which industries that they'll turn their nose up to - which is largely directed at the likes of Paul and Pam (I mean what is the point to hug a cute and cuddly sea pup when they are already protected, expect that peole wouldn't give money to crooks such as the Humaine Society of the United States without that photo op - hugging the seals that are actually part of the hunt just isn't as eye-catching - and let's face it, for these people it is all about the benjamins).
In any regard, one did manage to show up in my Bloglines (other than the ramblings of David Pollard - who I would say falls into the descriptions provided in the previous paragraph). It was titled The Seal Hunt and was posted at eGram@sd40.bc.ca. In a sea of mindless ranting, I think this was one of the first posts that I have seen that makes sense to me.
The author, Randolph Decker, is a Newfoundlander like me. And while he isn't a supporter of the sea fishery (I guess I should have included the disclaimer that I favour a sustainable hunt - and the hunt at current levels is not only sustainable, but has actually allowed the sea herd to grow to the point that it is affecting other species), he asks a basic question - why seals?
When you look at how other animals that we consume on the dinner table, throw over our bodies as a part of a garmet, or use as a source of energy, why single out seals? Where is Pam Anderson to hug the sheep, cows, chickens, etc. of the world that are being raised simply to be killed? Why isn't Paul McCartney bringing dozens of reporters to the slaughter houses in his home country? Why isn't Dave Pollard lamenting about the animals that are force feed, simply to become dinner on our table?
Maybe all of these are animals that we raise for food, but seal is wildlife. I can accept that, if that is the logic. Then why isn't Pam out hugging little rabbits, which are hung in snares or shot as they go about their merry ways? Why isn't Paul bringing his media out to the rivers to save all those helpless trout and salmon? Why is Dave lamenting about the birds, moose, caribou, deer, elk, etc. that are shot for food or in some cases just sport by hunters (including the US VP - I mean come on Dave, an environment lament that allows you to be anti-American at the same time, why aren't you jumping all over this one)?
The answer - seals sell! What these groups and individuals fail to tell you is that seal harvesters use more of the animal than almost any other hunt or commercial slaughter. What these groups and individuals fail to tell you is that the number of seals continues to increase, even with the annual hunt, and continues to affect the health of other fish stocks. What these groups fail to tell you is that those cut animals that they hug and get photographed with are already protected. Like I said, its all about the benjamins for these people!
And Dave, the reason why the hunt was closed due to the seal numbers being down wasn't because the number of seals is decreasing, it was because there was no ice to bring the seals to the locations where the hunt was open (i.e., no seals floating around where they were allowed to be killed).
Tags: seals, Newfoundland
posted by MKB | 1:07 PM
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