Hi Activists,

Just wanted to let you know about this upcoming demo:

International Day of Action - Canadian Seal Slaughter Protest
WHEN: Wednesday, March 15, 2006, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
WHERE: Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Pacific Region Office
401 Burrard Street, (cross street of West Hastings)
ORGANIZED BY: Liberation BC/ Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Sea Shepherd and many other organizations agree that it is necessary to join together to strengthen our chance of stopping the annual and ever-growing Canadian seal "hunt." This Unified Opposition is comprised of many groups with a variety of missions and strategies – but we all agree with one thing: The slaughter of seals must end immediately and permanently!

One of the major strategies of the Opposition is to shine the international spotlight on Canada by staging a Worldwide Protest. Each year Sea Shepherd, along with other organizations, holds a protest on the 15th of March which is typically the first day that the "hunt" begins. [Note: This year, due to the fact that ice is not forming as it usually does, the start date has not yet been announced by the Canadian government.]

In March & April 2005, over 325,000 seals were slaughtered, primarily off the coast of Newfoundland.

Approximately 95% of seals killed are newborn harp seals less than 4 weeks old (Sea Shepherd Conservation Society). The harp seal coat begins to change quickly from fluffy white to mottled grey when they are only 12 days old. By the time they are a mere three weeks old they have the beautiful silver grey coat that is coveted by the fur industry. It is at this stage in their infant development that the majority of harp seals are butchered.

Signs and leaflets are provided, just bring yourself and anyone else you think would like to attend. This demonstration is a rain or shine event.

If you have any questions, please contact Ashley at ashley_fruno@hotmail.com or 604-230-2837.