animals.nationalgeographic / CC

Seals around the world are throwing up their flippers in celebration—the European Parliament voted today to end the sale of seal products across the European Union (EU)!

This vote adds to the pressure on Canada to end the seal slaughter. It shows that the EU Parliament recognizes the inhumanity of the annual massacre. The ban will undoubtedly deal a strong blow to sealers' profits—and that, in turn, will result in less blood on the ice.

The EU's decision is in line with the wishes of the majority of European citizens and all good people across the globe, including, of course, all Canadian citizens who are ashamed that their country is party to the bloody seal slaughter. Eyes now turn to the Canadian government: It has threatened to challenge the EU ban on trade in seal products at the World Trade Organization. Instead, it should be using its own laws to ban the seal slaughter.

Written by Shawna Flavell

babble / CC

Ahh, we love Gillian Anderson. Ever since The X-Files, she's stolen our hearts. So when I found out that Gillian had sent a letter on behalf of PETA Europe to every single Member of the European Parliament (MEP) in aid of the 12 million animals suffering in European laboratories, I couldn't help but smile a lot.

Right now, MEPs are considering a proposed law that could improve conditions for tens of millions of animals who are experimented on and killed in laboratories across Europe each year. In a vote that will take place next week, the politicians can change this proposal for better or for worse, so Gillian's help has come at just the right time.

Of course, this isn't the first time that Gillian has spoken out in behalf of animals. The award-winning actor has taken action for animals time and time again. Recently, she narrated a video of undercover footage taken inside rabbit fur farms—it was part of PETA's campaign to pressure Giorgio Armani to stick to his fur-free pledge.

Go, Gillian! Check out her letter. And please speak up for animals by pledging to be cruelty-free.

Written by Shawna Flavell

Victoria Day—which is basically the Canadian equivalent of Memorial (aka "Woohoo, Summer's Almost Here!") Day—isn't until May 18, but I'm thinking about our northern neighbors today. I've sent PETA's e-card by Canadian editorial cartoonist Graeme MacKay to 16 people so far, in order to urge them to take action to end the seal slaughter in Canada. See if you can top my 16. (BTW, there's no prize for the challenge, only victory—for seals!)

Written by Karin Bennett