IFAW: Historic victory for seals imminent as MEPs vote today on proposed EU trade ban on seal products

When – Tuesday May 5, 2009, 11am UK time/12 noon in Strasbourg

Where – European Parliament, Strasbourg

What – Following overwhelming opposition to Canada’s commercial seal hunt from the citizens of the UK and Europe, MEPs will vote on a proposal to ban the sale of seal products within the EU. This plenary vote is expected to be rubber stamped in June when a schedule will be drawn up to bring the proposed legislation into effect. 26 years since IFAW led the successful campaign to stop the hunting of whitecoat seal pups and 40 years since IFAW was founded the European Parliament is expected to hammer the final nail in the coffin of the sealing industry’s market in the EU, bringing the goal of ending cruel commercial seal hunts in Canada and elsewhere even closer.

Notes to Editors –

For more information, pictures or to arrange interviews please contact Clare Sterling at IFAW in the UK on 020 7587 6708, mobile 07917 507717, email csterling@ifaw.org or Rosa Argent on mobile 07801 613530, email rargent@ifaw.org

Alternatively contact Adrian Hiel at IFAW in Brussels on +32 (0)472 517038, email ahiel@ifaw.org

IFAW will be holding a press conference in Brussels at 12 noon UK time (1pm in Brussels) to give reaction to the vote.