Rally for Seals as '09 Hunt Season Begins

November 15, 2008

	A crowd came out for seals.© Nigel Barker LLC

by Rebecca Aldworth

Today marks the regulated start date of yet another slaughter of baby seals in Canada. While virtually all of the killing will occur next spring, after the pups have been born, this day is an important reminder of what is to come, and what we must all do to stop it.

Just a few days ago, I stood outside the Canadian embassy in Washington with Nigel Barker, world renowned fashion photographer and judge on America's Next Top Model—and more than 120 dedicated supporters. We were there to demonstrate to the Canadian government the overwhelming opposition of Americans and people around the world to the continuation of this brutal slaughter.

I've attended countless protests against the commercial seal hunt over the years, but there was something unique about this one. The crowd was electric—that we are close to ending this annual slaughter for once and for all is undeniable.

As Nigel spoke about his trip to the ice floes last March, and the amazing progress we have made in the campaign since that time, the listeners cheered. We are all so grateful that he is standing with us in our historic fight to save the seals. Later, we asked Nigel to take a few moments to talk about what brought him into this movement, and why he is opposed to the seal hunt. His powerful story can be read here.

November 15th may mark the beginning of next year's hunt. But to the people at that rally, and those who are with us in spirit around the world, what has really been marked is the beginning of the end for the commercial sealing industry. 

Learn More

• Read about the 2008 seal hunt
• Read about Nigel Barker's exhibit, "A Sealed Fate"
• Take action for seals