News Release for Immediate Distribution
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Public pressure for UK ban on trade in seal fur

(London – 30 March 2007) - Polling results released today by IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) reveal that nearly three quarters (73%) of British people who have heard of Canada’s commercial seal hunt would support a ban on the import of seal fur and other products.
 
IFAW opposes the commercial hunt on the grounds that it is unacceptably cruel and unnecessary, with more than 350,000 seals being clubbed or shot last year alone. The majority of these were pups under three months old, killed mainly for their fur which is used in luxury products for the fashion industry. This year’s hunt is due to start shortly, after the Canadian government yesterday announced a total allowable catch quota of 270,000 seals.
 
IFAW marine campaigner Ellie Dickson said: “A UK ban on the import of seal fur and other products from the hunt would send an important message to Canada that people in this country want no part in this cruelty. If we stop the trade, we can help stop the hunt.”
 
More than 1.2 million people around the world have signed petitions pledging their opposition to the hunt. Over 180,000 of these signatures are from the UK.
 
Of those questioned for the latest poll by Ipsos MORI*, including people who were aware or not aware of the hunt, two-thirds (67%) supported a UK trade ban and only 12% opposed it.
 
A number of European countries have already introduced trade bans, or are in the process of doing so.
 
The UK Government recently announced it would support the introduction of an EU-wide ban. However, it could take several years for this to come into effect and the EU Commissioner responsible has recommended that member states implement national bans in the meantime. IFAW believes the UK must introduce such a ban.