[slein]

Let's discuss...

There's oodles of information and maybe misinformation about this topic. Some veterinians say its okay, others disagree. The Humaine Society says they will stop the hunt next year. The seal hunters say that will not happen. The government sets quotas and regulate the hunters. Even Paul McCartney - a very rich man - and other celebrities jump on the bandwagon to protest. For the seal hunters, this is their primary income.

So... this industry brings CDN$15M a year to communities that have little other way to make a living. I say if the protesters are really serious about stopping this hunt, then they should pony up and pump some dollars into the region. Its the only way that both sides win.

Otherwise, my opinion is leave the hunt alone, because you will destroy families and communities. Of course, someone will hold up a pic of a baby seal with white fur for the image campaign. This is silly, because it is illegal (and not profitable) to kill a seal that still has its fur coat. Add to the fact that a portion of the hunters are native Inuit, and these folks respect the environment as much if not more than the protesters.

Do I have a point? I hope so.

 

[BurlyShirley]

You forgot to mention the inherant joy that comes from clubbing a seal, which cannot be replaced.

 

[slein]

true that. although the majority use rifles, but hey... misinformation abound

 

[DRB]

You forgot to mention the inherant joy that comes from clubbing a seal, which cannot be replaced.

That's the only reason you need. That satisfying thawack is the only joy those people get.... well that and alcohol.

 

[BuddhaRoadkill]

Got some links to more info on the subject? Where, when, how, etc... It's hard to form an opinion from the little you've said, but squabbling over extractive resources is always fun. :devil: People hunt/fish for all kinds of animals, why are the seals even an issue?

What other options do the locals have? Theres always options, even relocation is an option. Hiding behind "Cuz my grandpappy did it, and his grandpappy before him, etc ... " is not an argument.

 

[BurlyShirley]

Hiding behind "Cuz my grandpappy did it, and his grandpappy before him, etc ... " is not an argument.

It is, actually. Some indian tribes are allowed to do lots of things illegal for others because its part of their heritage.

 

[Changleen]

Why / Do the Seals need to be killed?

 

[BuddhaRoadkill]

Damnit, BS. Stop it with the facts. This is about misinformation. Billions of small, doe-eyed, furry and helpless baby seals getting medieveled by hordes of desperate, starving, hakapik-weilding neolithic ice peoples.

If it was an Inuit only thing [like the whale hunt on the Left side] I doubt the opposition would be as strong.

 

[BurlyShirley]

Why / Do the Seals need to be killed?

Because they're f***ing seals! Goddamit! They need clubbing. This is common knowledge.

 

[LordOpie]

I say if the protesters are really serious about stopping this hunt, then they should pony up and pump some dollars into the region.

exactly!

It's fine to protest stuff, but too many protestors only like to argue, not help :mumble:

 

[BuddhaRoadkill]

exactly!

It's fine to protest stuff, but too many protestors only like to argue, not help :mumble:

You are sooo wrong!!

 

[slein]

linky

there's international attention.... me thinks this and related stories show a little more balance

 

[BurlyShirley]

After reading that, I have to ask...why are they even protesting?

If the govt. has set quotas that a number of them can be harvested without hurting the species as a whole, what's the big deal? Just that seals are cute and fuzzy?

 

[ALEXIS_DH]

i thought they were still clubbed to death. well, i just read 90% are killed with rifles.

if so, then i dont see much problem. i´d have an issue with extreme cruelty, but if they are killed like most other animals, then i dont think it should be such a big deal. a shot to the head is way better than chicken factory killings imo.
and that is not a two wrongs make a right argument either.

 

[slein]

After reading that, I have to ask...why are they even protesting?

If the govt. has set quotas that a number of them can be harvested without hurting the species as a whole, what's the big deal? Just that seals are cute and fuzzy?

pretty much it. and the kicker is the fuzzy ones are illegal to hunt and aren't worth anything. this is the fact that gets most protesters going: misinformation and rich white folk championing the cause.

further, there is a market for these things too. to use the US war on drugs strategy, go after the users!

 

[LordOpie]

Are these seals kept in tiny warehouses? Are they force-feed food to fatten 'em up? Are they injected with all sorts of crap?

People need to protest veal, foie gras, and KFC before they protest free-roaming seals getting killed.

 

[BurlyShirley]

Are these seals kept in tiny warehouses? Are they force-feed food to fatten 'em up? Are they injected with all sorts of crap?

People need to protest veal, foie gras, and KFC before they protest free-roaming seals getting killed.

Veal and KFC are fine with me

I had an idea once kind of like the foie gras thing. I was going to buy a cow, and instead of giving it water, just give it A1 and italian dressing to drink every day. Then In the afternoons Id massage it for a few hours to make sure it is marinating just right...mmm....
Then Id kill it, and eat it. I bet it'd be great.

 

[LordOpie]

get the cow stoned to give him the munchies... I bet that would be the tastiest beef ever.

 

[Changleen]

Veal and KFC are fine with me

I had an idea once kind of like the foie gras thing. I was going to buy a cow, and instead of giving it water, just give it A1 and italian dressing to drink every day. Then In the afternoons Id massage it for a few hours to make sure it is marinating just right...mmm....
Then Id kill it, and eat it. I bet it'd be great.

Same principal as Cornfed Chicken, except vastly more expensive...

 

[ALEXIS_DH]

Same principal as Cornfed Chicken, except vastly more expensive...

corn fed hen soup...

 

[Westy]

It seems they have been having problems getting to the seals this year, a bit of global warming has made the ice too thin.

 

[jaydee]

After reading that, I have to ask...why are they even protesting?

If the govt. has set quotas that a number of them can be harvested without hurting the species as a whole, what's the big deal? Just that seals are cute and fuzzy?

Don't get me wrong. I like to smash cute fuzzy things as much as the next guy.

We all know the government is always right. That's why there are no more codfish on the Grand Banks and only about 24 salmon left in the Pacific.

I don't really disagree with the seal hunt if it is humane. But you'd think that entire villages could do more to justify their existences than collect unemployment all year, then go out for a week and destroy 240,000 newborn seals just for their skins. Maybe if they made sealburgers or deep-fried blubber snacks with the rest. I mean, North Americans will eat anything that has fat in it, won't they?

And I have to agree with wossname above who mentioned how ridiculous is the claim that just because your daddy and his daddy did something for a living, then you have to do it too. At one point my ancestors used to make spears, chariot wheels, and flint knives. Crap, not much of a living in that any more, so I better whine and collect pogey.

 

[BurlyShirley]

Don't get me wrong. I like to smash cute fuzzy things as much as the next guy.

We all know the government is always right. That's why there are no more codfish on the Grand Banks and only about 24 salmon left in the Pacific.

You're definitely right about that. Overfishing and pollution have taken their toll on tons of species, however, Im not aware that these seals currently are threatened in any way. Science has come a long way in managing fish and game, such that I believe you're seeing growth in the very species you mentioned. Also, managing large mammals like seals tends to be alot easier than finicky species like fish. Currently there are more deer in north america than there were when Columbus arrived, thanks in part to hunters money. Id bet that current canadian fish and game officials are quite a bit farther ahead than those that let the salmon run out.

I don't really disagree with the seal hunt if it is humane. But you'd think that entire villages could do more to justify their existences than collect unemployment all year, then go out for a week and destroy 240,000 newborn seals just for their skins. Maybe if they made sealburgers or deep-fried blubber snacks with the rest. I mean, North Americans will eat anything that has fat in it, won't they?

I dont really care that they dont use all of it, really. It stinks that people are starving and fresh meat is out there rotting, but Im not sure of the quality of seal meat. Might be horrible. Point is, people hunt for sport and sustainance and as long as there's not a bad impact on the environment, I dont see an issue.

And I have to agree with wossname above who mentioned how ridiculous is the claim that just because your daddy and his daddy did something for a living, then you have to do it too. At one point my ancestors used to make spears, chariot wheels, and flint knives. Crap, not much of a living in that any more, so I better whine and collect pogey.

I agree. But if there is a market for fur and they can sustain themselves by harvesting. I mean, if its economically feasable and not bad for the environment, than its not just being done for tradition. Weighing native traditions against new-age animal compassion is my issue.

 

[Ciaran]

If I can use my mace I am all for clubbing the seals.

Personally I do not have an issue with hunting, for sport or sustinance. And I work with leather and fur (hopefully soon it will be how I make my living) alot so I need a steady supply of dead, empty animals.

Maybe the activists would like it better if we all went activist hunting. I'll bring spare maces.

 

[stevew]

I'd rather club people at democratic/republican convetions.

But thats just me.

 

[MMike]

I take issue with the term "hunt". The poor little guys are just lying there! "Hunt" implies having to use cunning to stalk your prey. This is even easier than fish in a barrel! Harvest is a much more accurate term.

 

[stinkyboy]

Is it OK to club him?

 

[Da Peach]

Is it OK to club him?

Damn, a few minutes late. Kiss from a Rose makes me wretch.

 

[Ciaran]

Is it OK to club him?

Looks like someone already did.

 

[MMike]

A link for you bleeding hearts.

http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/default.aspx?oid=562

It's all well and good to use animals for our purposes, but to be cruel for no reason...I kinda have a propblem with that. Skinning them when they are still alive or even concious...that's not cool.....

 

[BurlyShirley]

A link for you bleeding hearts.

http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/default.aspx?oid=562

It's all well and good to use animals for our purposes, but to be cruel for no reason...I kinda have a propblem with that. Skinning them when they are still alive or even concious...that's not cool.....

LMAO

 

[narlus]

Are these seals kept in tiny warehouses? Are they force-feed food to fatten 'em up? Are they injected with all sorts of crap?

People need to protest veal, foie gras, and KFC before they protest free-roaming seals getting killed.

what does caged baby seal taste like?

i bet it's good.

 

[narlus]

Looks like someone already did.

yeah, but he's burying himself in the clutches of heidi klum every night...he doesn't give a sh!t what anyone says.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

I've got a few scars on my face too....why can't I get a chick that hot?? Oh...right....millions of dollars...I forgot...

 

[Transcend]

what does caged baby seal taste like?

i bet it's good.

Probably exactly like veal. The other caged meat.


PS: I LOVE veal.