With melting ice caps, melting economy and disappearing endangered species, it’s refreshing to get some positive news.  For decades, Canadian men rule Canada’s icy cold windswept landscape with their wooden clubs that they use to bludgeon seals to death.  Not a pretty picture, eh?  These aren’t small time hunters using the seals for personal use. Rather, the seals pellets are exported around the globe, but especially to Europe. After decades of a long-fought battle by animal welfare groups, the seals finally received a victory today.  The European Union, despite much resistance from the Canadian government, decided to ban the importation of commercially hunted seal products.  This decision leaves a gaping hole in the international seal trade and drastically diminishes the size and impact of the trade.  According to the Humane Society of the US, “this is the beginning of the end for the Canadian seal slaughter.” The EU’s decision is obviously the best news ever for innocent Canadian seals. It’s also testament to the dedication of thousands of activists across the globe and other concerned citizens who, for decades,  demonstrated their commitment to ending this cruel slaughter.  And, this will send a strong message to Canada on the moral and economic front that their seal hunt is wrong.  In fact, the EU comprised $6.6 million of the annual $7 million seal hunt, which will be the biggest blow to the industry. I guess the EU knows how to wield it’s own wooden club. This campaign isn’t over yet. The Humane Society of the US is asking people to remain vigilant and to ensure that Canada doesn’t expand the seal market into new territories.  And, the Canadian government still needs to pass national legislation banning seal hunting. Get involved today to end the slaughter. (picture: HSUS)