EU moves to ban seal products derived from 'cruel hunting'

In a long-awaited decision that will have significant consequences for hunters in Newfoundland and Labrador, the European Union on Wednesday moved to ban imports of products derived from seals that are inhumanely killed. Seal products from countries that "practise hunting methods that involve unnecessary pain" will not be allowed into the 27-nation bloc, if the measures receive final approval from the EU's executive and legislative branches, EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas said in a statement, as the European Commission announced the proposal Wednesday. The EU has been under increased pressure from animal rights groups and legislators at the European Parliament to take action over the seal hunt, which they claim is cruel and should be stopped. Sealers say the hunt is humane, sustainable and an important income... [read full story]