Italy Introduces Temporary Ban on Seal Products
15 June 2006
Italy has temporarily suspended the imports of seal products. The government decree came into affect in April 2006, and although no new import licences will be granted in the coming months, it is hoped that a permanent ban will follow.
Aldolfo Urso, then Deputy Industry Minister, was quoted in the Italian press urging the European Union to take action to end the hunt, saying: ‘Italy is leading the way in this action against the barbarous killing of animals and now we ask Europe to take action against all countries that permit this practice.’
Several Member States of the EU, and other countries around the world, have already acted to bring about a ban on the import of seal products, including Belgium, Croatia, Luxembourg, Mexico and the United States. Other countries are currently considering taking action, including the Netherlands and the UK.
Commenting on the Italian ban, Mark Glover, Director of Respect for Animals, said: ‘This is a hugely important step towards shutting down the markets for seal products across the world. There is growing momentum in Europe for urgent action to be taken to protect seals, and this is echoed by compassionate people around the world sickened by the brutal slaughter of tens of thousands of seal pups every year in Canada.’