First is a slide presentation below and below that are tow Training Videos.
Humane Harvesting of Seals
In an effort to ensure that seals are dispatched in the most humane way possible, and in response to recommendations from the Independent Veterinarians Working Group (IVWG), in 2008 DFO implemented a three-step killing process. This new “three-step process” was written into licence conditions for 2008, has continued as a condition of licence in 2009-2012, and will remain that way into the foreseeable future.
In 2009, the Fur Institute of Canada (FIC), with a large group of industry partners, initiated community workshops aimed at engaging sealers on current practices and ways in which they might be improved, including information and explanation on the what and why of the new three-step process. For the first time, veterinarians were given the opportunity to consult directly with sealers on key aspects of hands-on animal knowledge – in particular, it provided adequate opportunity to explain the new three-step process. One of the key outcomes of the 2009 workshops was an industry recommendation that a training program be developed for the Newfoundland and Labrador sealing industry.
It was recommended by participants, and endorsed by veterinarians, that this could be achieved in a single-day workshop. Furthermore, it was recommended that this training become mandatory for commercial sealers, and form the basis of a formal certification for professional sealers. Click here to see clips from the workshop.
Best practices video “Seal Harvesting for Quality” was produced in 2007.
Best practices video “Seal Harvesting for Quality” was produced in 2007. Produced by Memorial University NL – Distance Education Dept. with help from Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (footage), financial help from DFA Gov. of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canadian Center for Fisheries Innovation, The Canadian Sealers Association and School of Fisheries, Marine Institute.
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