Three Arrested in D.C. Seal Slaughter Protest September 16, 2009

Posted by Marta at September 16, 2009 5:01 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 15 ) | TrackBack

Look at the welcome that was awaiting Prime Minister Stephen Harper this morning when he met with President Obama at the Canadian Embassy in D.C.:

Three "seals" covered with red paint writhed on the ground to illustrate what happens to hundreds of thousands of harp seals in Canada.


You can bet that the cops weren't thrilled since D.C. traffic was already backed up.


These "seals" will no doubt suffer a better fate than the thousands of seals who are killed each year in Canada's seal slaughter, though.


There were also fifteen other demonstrators holding up stop signs reading, "Harper: Stop the Seal Slaughter."

If you haven't already, please write to the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee and demand that it help bring an immediate end to the seal slaughter.

Taking the Seal Slaughter Message to the Ice (Rink) July 28, 2009

Posted by Marta at July 28, 2009 1:31 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 9 ) | TrackBack

I sure spent a lot of time falling down on the ice when I was younger and attempting to learn how to skate, but I certainly never saw anything like this on the ice:

This is a giant version of our Olympic Shame 2010 logo that PETA is planning on putting under the ice at several Canadian skating rinks. It's a message that'll be a little hard to miss for all the ice skaters out there: Stop the Seal Slaughter.

What do you think of the idea?

E.U. Finalizes Seal Product Ban—Canada Still Clueless July 27, 2009

Posted by Rachel-O at July 27, 2009 5:22 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 5 ) | TrackBack

nationalpost / CC

Sooner or later, the Canadian government will realize that slaughtering seals just has to stop.

A few months ago, we told you about a vote by the European Union (E.U.) to end the sale of seal products. Well, now is the time to do a little victory dance, because the ban has just been finalized! According to the AP, Canada exported about $5 million worth of seal products to the EU last year, so this ban is another big blow to the country's annual seal massacre.

Since most of Europe has denounced the shameful slaughter of baby seals loud and clear, you'd think that Canada's government would finally get a clue and take action to end the annual bloodbath, right?

Think again.

Sorry to say, but once again, instead of enacting the ban that good people around the world—including a great many in Canada—are demanding, the Canadian government continues to pour all its efforts into keeping the massacre going. Until the last minute, it was still lobbying the E.U. to change its mind.

Without a doubt though, they can't ignore it any longer—with the E.U. refusing to pay for the blood of seals and consumers boycotting Canadian maple syrup, the seal slaughter is becoming less profitable for Canada every single day!

What Have PETA's Campaigners Been Up To? July 22, 2009

Posted by Marta at July 22, 2009 2:43 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBack

PETA's campaigners are a hard working bunch! They travel around organizing demonstrations all over the place to keep people talking about animal rights issues. We love to keep you up-to-date on what's going on, so check out a few pictures from recent protests that I wanted to share with you.

An "Unhappy Meal" demonstration in Egg Harbor, New Jersey:

A protest against the Canadian seal slaughter in St. Catharines, Ontario:


PETA's spin on our "Animal Testing Breaks Hearts" campaign in Wilmington, North Carolina:


Have you participated in an animal rights protest yet?

Can What You Put on Your Pancakes Help Save Seals? May 26, 2009

Posted by Marta at May 26, 2009 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 19 ) | TrackBack

I know that we all have our favorite pancake toppings, but if syrup is your topping of choice, did you know that you can help save seals by boycotting Canadian maple syrup? It's true!

Canada produces about 85 percent of the world's maple syrup, an industry that rakes in around $C213 million each year. Our newest campaign encourages consumers, restaurants, and grocery chains to boycott Canada's multimillion-dollar syrup industry. By signing our pledge, you'll be letting the Canadian government know that the country is going to get a serious hit in the wallet unless it declares an end to the seal massacre.

Rachel and I were making vegan pancakes (soymilk instead of cow's milk and applesauce instead of eggs!) this weekend, and we thought we'd attempt to make some seal pancakes in honor of this new campaign. That's melted dark chocolate that we used for the face, and we of course topped the pancakes with (American-made) maple syrup. Yum!

Remember, seals will be sad if you buy Canadian maple syrup ...


What will you be topping your pancakes with instead of Canadian maple syrup?



P.S. Be sure to sign the pledge now!

Seal Fur Ban Victory! May 5, 2009

Posted by Pulin Modi at May 5, 2009 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 23 ) | TrackBack

Here's a guest blog from Sarah over at peta2 UK. Very exciting news!
-Pulin

Today the European Parliament has taken a positive vote that will end the sale of seal products across the European Union!

Thousands of you emailed the EU Parliament asking them to vote in favour of the ban—because of you, the EU Parliament has recognised that this slaughter can never, ever be humane.

The ban will undoubtedly deal a strong blow to the profits of those who kill seals, and that will in turn result in less blood on the ice.

Britannica / CC

This ban stops the sale of all seal products in the EU and should stop products of the commercial Canadian and Namibian slaughters reaching the market.

There is no excuse to massacre our cute friends, the seals, so let's work on putting an end to the Canadian seal slaughter. Sign peta2's petition if you haven't already!

On behalf of animals everywhere—thank you!

The Hidden Cameras Think Canada's Club Scene Sucks April 29, 2009

Posted by Megan Rondeau at April 29, 2009 9:26 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 14 ) | TrackBack

I'm sure by now you're all well aware of the seal slaughter that's taking place in Canada at this very moment. In case you haven't emerged from winter hibernation yet, let me fill you in. Every year the Canadian government supports the biggest marine mammal slaughter in the world. Last year over 205,000 seals were killed for their skins and this year the government has upped the ante, allowing for the deaths of over 338,000 seals. As if those staggering facts aren't awful enough, most of the seals that are beaten to death are just pups, no older than three months old.

The latest in a slew of celebs who are speaking out against the annual seal slaughter is Canadian indie pop band The Hidden Cameras. Joel Gibb and crew have made a name for themselves and acquired a dedicated fan base over the years much in part to their quirky live shows that have been known to include go-go dancers and zombie choirs. This time around The Hidden Cameras are inviting you (that's right, I'm talking to you!) to come out for an acoustic performance to celebrate the release of their new PETA ad. The event will take place Monday May 4 at Queen's Park in Toronto in front of the Ontario Legislative Building. Be there at 12:30pm for the unveiling of the ad and a special acoustic performance by Joel Gibb. More information will be announced on the band's MySpace and website.

Just to sweeten the deal and give you something to look forward to, we're giving away 5 signed CDs by The Hidden Camera. For your chance to win all you need to do is comment below with your favorite band to come out of Canada. Entries must be received by May 5 and five winners will be chosen at random and notified by May 8.

Just so you know ... by commenting here, you're acknowledging that you've read and agreed to our privacy policy.

Also by commenting, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions.

Some Awesome Pics and Rise Against Contest Reminder April 27, 2009

Posted by Pulin Modi at April 27, 2009 9:02 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack

We got some rad photos in from protests against the Canadian seal slaughter. They're great!

Demonstrations like these gets lots of attention for the cause, and it all helps build public opposition to the cruel seal slaughter while also pressuring the government.

Also, remember that the Rise Against petition contest for free tickets and a meet and greet with the band is still open! Get all the details here.

Additional Rules
No purchase necessary. Contest starts by March 13, 2009, and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 22, 2009 ("contest closing"). To win, you must collect the most signatures on peta2's "Help Stop the Canadian Seal Slaughter!" petition in the city in which you are competing and submit it by contest closing for judging by the contest sponsor. Available to be won are eight pairs of tickets to attend a Rise Against concert—one pair in each destination of the band's Summer 2009 Canadian tour—namely, Vancouver, June 4; Edmonton, June 6; Calgary, June 7; Saskatoon, June 8; Quebec City, June 17; Montreal, June 18; Ottawa, June 19; and Toronto, July 31. Winners and their guests are solely responsible for the cost of any transportation, accommodation, food, beverage, or other costs incurred to attend the concert. Approximate retail value of each pair of tickets is $70. Open to legal residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 13 years of age or older. If you are a minor according to the laws of your province of residence, you must provide the signed consent of your parent or legal guardian and attend the concert with them.

Go and Intern at PETA Europe! April 10, 2009

Posted by Marta at April 10, 2009 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack

Sarah from peta2 UK wanted to tell you about PETA Europe's brand-new internship program, since Matt just told you about our intern program over here in the states earlier this week. Take it away, Sar ...
- Marta

Before joining PETA Europe almost a year ago I was an intern over at PETA US where I got to work alongside all the peta2 people. Interning was such a rewarding experience, knowing that everyday I was helping the plight of animals with every action I did. This is me with my fellow interns when I was in the US.

Now you can come and help spread the word about animal rights here in London at PETA Europe! As an intern you'll be helping with grassroots outreach activities—including stunts, demonstrations and tabling events. Woweee! Interns also do office work, prepare mailings, write letters and work on special projects. You can read more about the internship duties here.

To apply, download PETA Europe's intern applicant form. Need to know more? All you need to know is listed on the FAQ section!

Check out some recent demo photos from here in London that some of our volunteers got to help out with:




Hope to see some of you soon!

Obama 'Outraged' Over Seal Slaughter? April 9, 2009

Posted by Rachel-O at April 9, 2009 5:08 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 23 ) | TrackBack

We love it when we hear from anyone who stands up for animals. Whether it's a Street Teamer, a celebrity, or someone learning the facts for the first time.

So you can't imagine how ecstatic we were when we heard that in 2006, when Barack Obama was an Illinois Senator, he wrote a letter to a group of constituents to thank them for their support of a resolution against the Canadian seal slaughter. He assured them that he would use his seat in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to support the resolution.

In his letter, then-Senator Obama wrote that "the United States should not condone" the slaughter, and vowed, "As a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I will work with my colleagues to ensure that we take the necessary steps to express our outrage with this inhumane measure".

We applaud Obama for taking such a strong stand—and now, PETA Senior Vice President Dan Mathews has written a letter to President Obama asking him to express that same passion now, as president, in an appeal to the Canadian government to stop the seal slaughter.

You should be outraged too. Make sure you sign the petition to save the seals if you haven't already!


P.S. Yeah, we know this was one of the cheesiest jokes ever. This is for real—we promise!