As we read this, baby grey seals on Hay Island in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia are sleeping, playing, and nursing with their mums.

They have no idea that their peaceful scene could soon turn into a brutal killing frenzy.

The government of Canada has authorized the slaughter of 60,000 grey seals for 2011.

That amounts to the brutal killing of roughly 80% of the grey seal pups born this year – a completely irresponsible and unnecessary quota that has no basis in conservation.

And shamefully, the first kills are expected to take place in the protected wilderness area on Hay Island.

The cruelty of the Hay Island hunt is heartbreaking: 1,900 seal pups will be herded together, and then clubbed with bats until their lifeless bodies litter the shores. Then they’ll be skinned for their furs – right in front of still-nursing pups and their mothers.

And for what? The few dollars that will be earned by the handful of sealers taking part in this slaughter is a pittance compared to the economic benefit offered by grey seals to this province as a tourism draw.

How You Can Help

We need to let Nova Scotia’s Tourism Minister know that this deplorable cruelty can not continue.

Please e-mail your opposition to this inhumane hunt today.

We have provided letter text for you, but I encourage you to use your own words to express your outrage over this cruel and unnecessary slaughter.

Let the Minister of Tourism know that grey seals are one of the things people love about Nova Scotia, and that they should be protected, not exploited for their skins.

Please send your e-mail right now.

Thank you,

Sheryl Fink
IFAW Seal Campaign Director