MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - June 13, 2013) - Rebecca Aldworth, executive director of Humane Society International/Canada, issued the following statement regarding the $5,000 reward that has been paid by HSI/Canada to a local resident of Prince Edward Island, who provided information leading to the arrest of three persons responsible for the vicious killings of more than 50 grey seals on P.E.I. in Jan. 2013:
"Months ago, three individuals viciously beat 50 nursing grey seal pups and their mothers to death on a beach in P.E.I. We are so pleased that our $5,000 reward helped to bring these people to justice.
Scientific studies tell us that there is a direct link between animal cruelty and violence against people. For the sake of both the seals and the broader community, it is our hope that the sentencing in this case will fully reflect the seriousness of the offense.
It is for good reason that Canada's Marine Mammal Regulations make it an offence to interfere with seals without lawful authority, while our Criminal Code forbids causing needless suffering to animals. It is our hope that these considerations are at the forefront of the sentencing decision."
Background:
Humane Society International/Canada is a leading force for animal protection, with active programs in companion animals, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammal preservation, farm animal welfare and animals in research. HSI/Canada is proud to be a part of Humane Society International which, together with its partners, constitutes one of the world's largest animal protection organizations. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty worldwide - on the Web at www.hsicanada.ca
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