EU seal trade ban upheld
An EU ban on the trade in products from commercial seal hunts has been upheld by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), a move that has been welcomed by the RSPCA.
The ban in 2010 prohibited the trade of seal products from all commercial hunts, including those in Canada, Namibia and Norway, though it does not affect hunting by indigenous communities.
Animal welfare groups such as the RSPCA, WSPA and Humane Society International at the time condemned the practice of clubbing or shooting the animals for their fur as "cruel and unnecessary".
An appeal by the Canadian government to overturn the ban was rejected by the WTO on November 25.
David Bowles, head of RSPCA public affairs, said: "This is an historic decision - it is the first time that a moral defence has been upheld in entirety and that in itself is game changing.
"This decision is not only important for animal welfare but it could also affect the way Governments treat other social issues such as improving standards on child labour going forward."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
