ACCEPTS APOLOGY FROM CANADIAN MINISTER OF FISHERIES TO SEAL HUNT OBSERVERS

[Omaha Steve]

Full story: http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/hsus_apology_canadian_fisheries_minister.html

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES ACCEPTS APOLOGY FROM CANADIAN MINISTER OF FISHERIES TO SEAL HUNT OBSERVERS



Warns of Potential Legal Recourse for Future Permit Denials or False Statements



WASHINGTON (May 16, 2006) -The Humane Society of the United States is claiming victory today as the Canadian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans issued a formal apology for comments he made regarding a team of observers from The HSUS during the Canadian seal hunt this year.

The HSUS served a notice of libel May 4 upon Loyola Hearn and his representatives, threatening legal action for false statements they made concerning The HSUS' seal hunt observers. Hearn announced in March that The HSUS observation team was charged with violating the terms of their observation permits, however no charges were ever filed.

In his statement issued yesterday, Hearn said "On March 31, 2006, I made a statement suggesting that individuals had been arrested and charged in relation to their observation of the seal hunt. Arrests had indeed been made, but I have since learned that no charges were laid. I apologize for suggesting that charges had been laid."

"We are pleased the Minister has admitted he was in the wrong," said Rebecca Aldworth, director of Canadian wildlife issues for The HSUS. "It is clear to us the Minister acted without all the facts in this case, especially when denying us observation permits earlier this year. His actions caused us serious problems in coordinating observation of the hunt, and we expect that our observation of next year's hunt will not be hampered in the same unlawful way."

[LeftyMom]

1. They can't lie and cheat and use violence to hide the atrocity forever

They will stonewall. They will create obstacles to getting the footage and the truth to the public. They will beat up observers, run thier cars off the road and surround them in thier hotels. They will throw observers in jail. But we will win, because justice is on our side.

[Chrisduhfur]

2. Who? What and huh?

What is this all about anyways?

[Kagemusha]

3. A private feud over the hunting of baby seals over 14 days of age.

The minister in question is Canadian. He made at least one factually incorrect assertion about what one group of animal rights activist obsevers was doing while observing/surveilling the seal hunt.

He's apologized because he was factually mistaken and they're treating it like now he's their bitch, as the saying goes.

I suggest acting like you just encountered a polar bear in the wild and slowly back away.

[pezdespencer]

4. o no

didnt u here about the seal that walked into a club