"Congratulations on your courageous decision to ban seal hunting in the White Sea. You are an ally in our struggle against the seal hunt. The Ladoga Seal needs your help as well. I am willing to help you protect this seal. The SRRC, as largest seal hospital in the world, has already rescued and released two Ladoga seals in cooperation with the Leningrad Zoo.
Yours Sincerely, Lenie 't Hart"
So read the telegram that Lenie ‘t Hart sent to Russian Prime Minister Putin today. Because, to our immense delight, Putin radically brought an end to the seal hunt in the White Sea, east of Finland.
Up until now, thousands of white baby seals were clubbed to death every year just for their beautiful fur. Putin called the seal hunt a “bloody business, which clearly should be banned”. The hunters will receive 1 million Euros to compensate for their lost incomes.
Lenie 't Hart says: "Of course we are very happy with such a great ally as Vladimir Putin in our fight against seal hunting. Because we are not there yet: There still are lots of countries where the hunt for seals still goes on. Every year, around 900.000 seals are killed worldwide. This is incomprehensible and should be reduced to zero. Putin’s solution to ban the hunt and to compensate the hunters should be followed worldwide!”03-03-2009 Source: SRRC Lenie 't Hart
