Are the harvesting methods supported by veterinarians or non-governmental organizations?
The Government of Canada (GOC) has strict science-based regulations, which are reviewed regularly, to ensure a humane harvest. Changes to the Marine Mammal Regulations (MMR) further enhance the humaneness of the annual seal harvest. The amendments were developed based on recommendations from the Independent Veterinarians Working Group (with members from Canada, France, the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom) and in consultation with provincial and territorial governments, the sealing industry, veterinarians, and others. They are also consistent with many of the European Food Safety Authority’s conclusions.
