Paul McCartney urges EU to ban trade in seal products

LONDON (AFP) – Music legend Paul McCartney urged the European Parliament on Thursday to ban the trade in seal products, adding his name to a petition urging action from MEPs ahead of a vote on the issue.

"The fate of millions of seal pups is in the hands of elected members of the European Parliament," the ex-Beatle said in a statement.

"In the next few weeks they will have a historic opportunity to stop the cruel trade in seal products throughout the European Union."

McCartney added: "I've signed the petition to ask MEPs to seize this momentous opportunity to end, once and for all, this trade in animal cruelty."

The European Parliament is expected to vote on a ban during its plenary session, which began this week in Strasbourg.

At an ambassadors meeting of the EU's 27 member states at the end of March, a majority said they were in favour of a total ban on seal products to protest against hunting methods which they consider cruel.

Canada, which is the biggest seal-hunting country with a quota of 338,000 this year, has said it plans to file a complaint against any ban with the World Trade Organisation. Norway has threatened to do the same.

McCartney signed a petition organised by Humane Society International UK and Respect for Animals, which urges MEPs to ban the trade in all products derived from the commercial slaughter of seals.

Seals are hunted mainly for their pelts, but also for meat and fat, which is used in beauty products. Supporters also argue the cull is necessary to help protect fish stocks.