PETA's 'Seal' to Dog Canadian Prime Minister At New York Award Ceremony

Shame of Canada's Annual Slaughter Will Cloud P.M.'s Visit 

For Immediate Release:
September 27, 2012

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382 

New York -- Holding a sign reading, "Harper: Stop the Seal Slaughter," a PETA member wearing a seal costume will follow Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper while he's in New York to receive a "Statesman of the Year" award from the Appeal of Conscience Foundation. PETA's point? That Harper is the last person who should be recognized for anything having to do with a conscience because—even in the face of international condemnation—he continues to support Canada's subsidized annual slaughter of baby seals.

When:   Thursday, September 27, 5 p.m.

Where:  Waldorf-Astoria, 301 Park Ave., New York

During the slaughter, tens of thousands of baby seals have their heads bashed in or are shot. Sealers hook seals in the eyes, cheeks, or mouth and drag them across the ice, often while the animals are still conscious. In recent years, only a fraction of the animals permitted to be slaughtered have been killed because the price of seal fur has plummeted as international outrage against the slaughter has risen. The European Union, Russia, and the U.S. have banned seal products, and many world leaders—including President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin—have spoken out against the massacre.

"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."

Canadian actor Emmanuelle Vaugier spoke out against Canada's seal slaughter in a new Q&A for PETA.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.