Animal protection bodies hail govt decision to prohibit import of seal skin

Lauding the government's decision to prohibit the import of seal, an aquatic mammal, in any form, two animal protection bodies have said that India's choice will be the "last nail in the coffin" for the sealing industry.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in a recent notification had said that the import of seal, in any form is prohibited.

The Humane Society International/India and the People for Animals said in the "landmark" decision the DGFT banned the import of skins of seals, a move which will spare the lives of thousands of seals from slaughter by commercial sealing industries.

"With dwindling world markets for seal products, the Canadian sealing industry is counting on countries like India and China to import the seal fur, oil and meat that other nations refuse to buy.

"I am glad that India has chosen compassion over cruelty. We are certain that this choice will be the last nail in the coffin for the sealing industry," said N G Jayasimha, managing director of the HSI India said.

In a statement, it said the notification was issued in the wake of exhaustive campaigning for the ban by the HSI India and the People for Animals urging the government to take a clear moral stand by closing its doors to the trade of seal products.

Lauding this policy stance trustee of People for Animals and HSI/India's government liaison, Gauri Maulekhi, said, "We commend the DGFT for its firm commitment in abolishing the import of seal skins."