ACTION 4 Animals: Victory! Russia Bans Harp Seal Imports

Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages. ~ Thomas A. Edison

This week information that Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, have banned the import of harp seal products has come out and is being applauded by organizations including the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Humane Society International (HSI), who have been fighting for the end of Canada's brutal seal slaughter for years.

According to the Canadian government, Russia was one of the only major markets left for seal products, importing up to 90% of seal pelts.

"The writing is on the wall" said Sheryl Fink, Director of IFAW's Seal Program. "The Canadian government knows seal products are not wanted, and has had ample time to transition sealers out of this industry with compensation. Instead they have done nothing but dispute the rights of other nations by challenging seal product bans at the WTO. As Russia follows in the steps of the EU and closes its doors to seal products, it's time to say enough is enough and stop the seal slaughter once and for all."

Harp Seal Pup