Stop Seal Clubbing in Namibia!
- by: Genevieve Olivier
- recipient: Namibian and Southern African Governments
Every year, for 139 days, Namibian seal clubbers take part in what is now known as a 'seal massacre'. Early each morning, hidden from the eyes of tourists and visitors to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve in Namibia, groups of men patrol the beaches with the aim of shooting 6000 bulls and beating some 80 000 pups to death. Hereafter, the genitals are removed from the bulls and shipped east as aphrodisiacs and the pups' pelts are harvested. The sealers have no interest in the genitals or pelts of the cows and as such, the pups are separated from the mothers and released in haphazard single files to run the gauntlet between rows of awaiting clubbers. This is horrifying!
Despite the fact that seal clubbing has already brought the Mediterranean Monk seal species dangerously close to extinction, the Namibian government continues to allow and encourage clubbing of Cape Fur seals, ignoring the inhumanity and horror which takes place. Are we going to wait for yet another seal species to become endangered or are we going to be the generation that stood up against animal cruelty and said "NO"?
According to Dr David Lavigne, a science advisor for the International Fund for Animal Welfare and seal researcher for over 40 years, seal culling in Namibia is inherently cruel and inhumane, not being done according to international standards. This needs to stop. These massacres are the result of the hostile relationship between seals and the fishing industry, which claims that the seals eat all the fish. Research, however, has shown this to be incorrect. Seals are top predators which have a very stabilising effect on an ecosystem. Removing them from the food chain will cause havoc, and create very few benefits for fisherman in the area. This is then proof that seal clubbing in Namibia is an UNNECESSARY act carried out by bllod thirsty, ignorant individuals.
Stop Namibian Seal Clubbing Now!
Dear Namibian and Southern African Governments,
The action intended by this petition is to stop the inumane and unnecessary clubbing of Cape Fur seals in Namibia.
According to research conducted by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, these massacres are the result of the hostile relationship between seals and the fishing industry. The fisheries claim that the seals eat all the fish. Research, however, has shown this to be incorrect. Seals are top predators which have a very stabilising effect on an ecosystem. Removing them from the food chain will cause havoc, and create very few benefits for fisherman in the area.
Should seal culling be necessary, this needs to be done in a humane and civilised way. It should also meet the criteria of international animal welfare organisations. Media coverage should also be allowed in order to ensure these standards are met and maintained.
Seals are wild animals and add to the beauty and touristic value of a country. Please appreciate and value these creatures and put a stop to their unnecessary slaughter.
Regards,
Genevieve Olivier
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