I AM writing to urgently ask for your readers' help in ending the largest most brutal slaughter of marine mammals on the planet - the Canadian seal hunt.
More than one and a quarter million seal pups have been clubbed or shot to death over the last four years in Canada. An independent veterinary study concluded that 42 per cent of seals may have been skinned while still conscious. These seals are slaughtered solely for the commercial value of their fur.
Currently there is a written declaration before the European Parliament calling for a ban on seal products within the EU. For this to pass, 367 MEPs must sign the declaration before September 15, 2006. We would like to say a huge thank you to South West MEP's Neil Parish, Graham Watson, Caroline Jackson and Glyn Ford for signing the declaration. However, three of the regions MEPs are still to sign. They are Graham Booth, Roger Knapman and Giles Chichester. Please write to them, or as many as you can, urging them to add their signature to the declaration.Their contact details are at www.europarl.org.uk or call 020 7227 4300. For more information please call 0115 952 5440.
MANDY CARTER Respect for Animals
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