OWN CORRESPONDENT, Windhoek | Monday
THE culling of seals by the Namibian government off its shores has been slammed as cruel, inhumane and inadequately managed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (Ifaw).
Responding to an insert screened on Carte Blanche, a television magazine programme, on the current seal cull, Ifaw South Africa projects manager Jason Bell said the footage confirmed concerns that regulations regarding the way in which the seals are culled are not adhered to.
The footage showed groups of hunters indiscriminately lashing out at groups of seals in what Bell described as a “frenzied” manner.
Namibian law stipulates that each pup to be culled should be separated from its herd and clubbed on the head with a single blow. A “sticker” is then supposed to administer a stab to the heart to ensure immediate death.
“No stickers were used on the Carte Blanche footage and clubbing of the animals was frenzied,” Bell said.
“Without proper supervision it is simply impossible to ensure the animals are killed in the most humane way possible and, because the operations take place in such remote parts of Namibia, the harvesters are pretty much able to conduct themselves as they wish.”
Ifaw further criticised an alleged statement by Namibian Fisheries Minister Abraham Iyambot that the rapidly increasing seal population posed a threat to the local fishing industry.
“We know of no scientific evidence that would justify a Namibian seal cull to benefit fisheries.”
Bell said the government should become more involved and allow for the culling to be monitored by animal welfare organisations.
Currently the Wildlife Society of Namibia is mandated to oversee the culling, but have not been able to do so, because of a lack of resources and manpower.
The animal rights lobbyists also denounced claims that the Namibian government would benefit economically by expanding its seal industry.
“Currently, sales of seal pelts worldwide are low to the extent that the Canadian Sealers Association is almost bankrupt,” said Bell.