How to Write Advocacy Letters

Dear Congressman [Their Name],

I urge you to act swiftly and decisively to address a critical concern: the import of Canadian seafood into the United States. Our country must take a firm stance against the heart-wrenching commercial seal hunt, a practice that involves killing seals for their fur—a cruel, wasteful, and needless act.

As a concerned citizen and advocate for animal welfare, I firmly believe that the United States must send a clear message. By reducing our import of Canadian seafood, we can demonstrate that the United States vehemently opposes this barbaric practice. We stand for the protection of innocent creatures from cruelty and support the enactment of animal welfare laws. While Canada has banned the slaughter of whitecoat seals, baby seals can still be legally slaughtered once they start shedding their coat, typically at only around two weeks old. These defenseless animals deserve our protection!

The commercial seal hunt persists in Canada despite the declining seal fur industry and widespread public outcry. This hunt is a waste of Canadian taxpayer money and a breeding ground for abuse and improper killing, as documented by the Humane Society and IFAW. Injured seals that are not fatally shot may escape into the water, suffering slow and agonizing drownings. Others are left to drag themselves through their own blood on ice, their cries of pain echoing through the desolate landscape. Despite the Humane Society's offer to buy out all sealer licenses and help these fishermen find alternative jobs during the off-season, seal hunters have stubbornly refused.

Moreover, we must strengthen our country's animal welfare laws and impose stricter consequences for those who engage in animal abuse. We must go to great lengths to safeguard vulnerable animals from harm and hold accountable those who perpetrate such cruelty. There is no justification for considering their lives less valuable than ours. If we claim dominion over animals and treat them inhumanely, we become no different from despots that enslave their citizens and exploit their workers!

Therefore, I respectfully request your immediate action on these pressing matters. Please support measures to reduce the import of Canadian seafood, fortify animal welfare laws, and heighten the penalties for animal abusers. History has shown that what once was considered acceptable later can be viewed with horror. Let us take a proactive step forward as a society and position ourselves on the right side of history. The time to act is now!

Thank you for your unwavering attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Dear Prime Minister Trudeau,

I am writing to express my deep concern about the ongoing seal hunt in Canada. The article in the International Fund for Animal Welfare's (IFAW) Journal, "No End to Canada Seal Hunt," highlights the continued suffering of seals despite declining demand for their products and increasing international opposition to the hunt. Furthermore, the effects of climate change on seal populations, as discussed in another IFAW article, "Climate change and the seals hunt in Canada," exacerbate the already severe threats facing these animals.

As a concerned citizen, I urge you to take action to ban seal hunting in Canada. Not only is it cruel and unnecessary, but it also damages Canada's international reputation and harms its tourism and seafood industries. As such, I will actively promote boycotting Canadian tourism and seafood exports if seal hunting is not banned.

I believe that Canada can lead the way in promoting animal welfare and conservation. By banning seal hunting, Canada can show the world that it is committed to protecting its wildlife and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. I urge you to take this important step and ban seal hunting in Canada.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Petition: https://respectforanimals.org/help-stop-the-namibian-seal-slaughter/

More info:
1) http://www.sealaction.org/campaigns/end-the-namibian-seal-hunt
2) https://newint.org/features/web-exclusive/2011/11/17/seal-culling-namibia

Emails:

info@namibianembassyusa.org
namparis@club-internet.fr
info@namibiahc.org.uk

Subject: Urgent Appeal to End the Seal Hunt: Uniting Ethics and Sustainable Tourism for Namibia's Prosperous Future

Dear Honorable Members of the Namibian Government,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I write to you today as a concerned individual and a representative of numerous international animal rights groups and the global public who are deeply troubled by the ongoing seal hunt in Namibia. I implore you to reconsider the continuation of this practice for ethical reasons and in recognition of its detrimental impact on Namibia's economy, particularly the tourism sector.

As a responsible member of the international community, Namibia holds the power to inspire change and set an example by safeguarding its natural resources and the welfare of its wildlife. The seal hunt is not only an affront to basic ethical standards but also a stain on Namibia's reputation as a progressive and environmentally conscious nation. The practice is inherently cruel, causing immense suffering to these intelligent and vulnerable creatures.

According to numerous reports and studies, such as those highlighted by organizations like Seal Action, The Washington Post, and Respect for Animals, the methods employed during the seal hunt result in unnecessary pain and distress to the animals. Pups are separated from their mothers, often bludgeoned to death, and their sensitive skins are sold for commercial purposes. This merciless pursuit contradicts the principles of compassion and conservation that Namibia strives to uphold.

Moreover, it is essential to recognize that the seal hunt has severe repercussions for Namibia's tourism industry, a significant driver of economic growth and employment. Namibia has long been celebrated for its rich biodiversity and unique wildlife, attracting countless visitors who seek an unforgettable experience in nature. However, the continuation of the seal hunt undermines the country's potential as a sustainable tourism destination. Boycotting tourism would undoubtedly have a detrimental effect on the country's economy and international standing.

Seal watching, on the other hand, offers a humane and ethical alternative that would not only preserve the lives of these remarkable creatures but also contribute significantly to Namibia's economy. Many tourists are willing to pay a premium to observe seals in their natural habitat, supporting local businesses, creating employment opportunities, and fostering a positive image of Namibia as a responsible custodian of its natural wonders.

I must emphasize that the international community, animal rights organizations, and concerned individuals are increasingly sensitive to practices that harm animals and degrade the environment. By perpetuating the seal hunt, Namibia risks alienating potential visitors, losing out on significant tourism revenue, and facing reputational damage on a global scale. Footage of the hunt has swept across online communities, shocking many and revealing the practice the hunters try to hide.

I implore you to take into consideration the ethical implications and economic ramifications of the seal hunt. I kindly request that you give this matter the urgent attention it deserves and make a definitive commitment to ending the seal hunt. By doing so, Namibia can position itself as a champion of animal welfare and sustainable tourism, winning the respect and admiration of the international community. The world is watching, hoping that Namibia will make the right choice and embrace a future that values compassion, sustainability, and the well-being of all living beings.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I remain hopeful that you will act in the best interest of Namibia's future.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]