KILLING OF SEALS IN CANADA

Early day motion 1020, tabled 4 April 2005 by Lord Stratford (Labour). Signed by 44 members.

That this House notes with grave concern that the Canadian seal hunt is expected to kill a record number of 319,500 seals in 2005; is appalled by the unacceptable cruelty of the hunt; notes that a team of independent veterinarians who observed the Canadian seal hunt in 2001 found that 42 per cent. of the seals' skulls examined were found to have minimal or no fractures, suggesting a high probability that these animals were conscious when skinned; is further concerned that the current level of killing is unsustainable for the harp seal population; and calls upon the UK Government to renew diplomatic efforts with the Canadian Government to end this loathsome slaughter.

Signatures by party: Labour 35, Conservative 4, Labour/Co-operative 3, Liberal Democrat 1, UUP 1.