PETA 'Seal' Trails Harper to the White House

Shame of Annual Slaughter Clouds Canadian P.M.'s Visit to Washington

For Immediate Release:
February 4, 2011

Contact:
Ashley Gonzalez 757-622-7382

Washington -- Holding a sign reading, "Harper: Stop the Canadian Seal Slaughter," a PETA member wearing a seal costume will follow Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper while he's in Washington, D.C., to meet with President Barack Obama, who has spoken out against the massacre. For more than a year, protesting "seals" have followed Harper across Canada and all around the world to urge him to end the annual baby seal slaughter.

When:   Friday, February 4, 1:15 p.m.

Where:  1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., near the intersection of 16^th and H streets N.W., Washington

"The seal slaughter is a bloody stain on Canada's reputation, and Prime Minister Harper can't escape that stain no matter where he goes," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "PETA's 'spokesseal' won't give up until the massacre is stopped once and for all."

During the slaughter, tens of thousands of baby seals have their heads bashed in or are shot. Sealers hook baby seals in the eyes, cheeks, or mouth and drag them across the ice, often while the animals are still conscious.

Of the approximately 300,000 harp seals who were expected to be killed last year, more than three-fourths were spared, in part because the price of seal fur has plummeted as the international outrage against the seal slaughter has risen. The European Union and the U.S. have banned seal products, and many world leaders—including Barack Obama—have spoken out against the massacre.  

For more information, please visit PETA.org.