From: Bell, Jason
Sent: 29 July 2005 01:13
To: helenb@ctn.independent.co.za
Subject: FW: SPCA DEFENDS FISHERMAN ATTACKS SEAL ALERT-SA
Importance: High
Dear Helen
Letter to Editor
I am writing to express the International National Fund for Animal Welfare's (IFAW) concern about the number of seals being injured by the fishing industry in South Africa.
While it is old news that there are operational conflicts between seals and the fishing industry, it certainly appears as if the approach of the latter is to indiscriminately injure and/or kill seals.
Past research clearly indicates that operational conflicts are often exaggerated.
Also, there certainly does seem to be a trend towards shooting indiscriminately, often injuring and/or killing victims that have not been involved in any operational conflict whatsoever.
IFAW is also concerned that the issue is not being appropriately addressed by Government.
The fishing industry is as responsible as anyone else for artificially attracting seals by discarding waste catches.
It is high time that the welfare of seals is taken seriously and that the Government targets those who have no interest in animal welfare and who are involved in blatant animal cruelty, as opposed to targeting those genuinely concerned about the welfare of the animals.
Jason Bell-Leask
Director - Southern Africa
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
TEL: +2721 424 2086
FAX: +2721 424 2427
CELL: +2782 894 6502