99% call for urgent action to protect seals

29/12/2008 08:35:10 Public look to government to take lead on seals protection

December 2008. The Scottish Government is expected to release its response to the consultation on Scotland's first Marine Bill. Of the 4,177 responses to Question 43 on the Seal Forum Review of the Seal Conservation Act 1970, a massive 4,147 - or 99% - of responses called for greater protection for seals.

The Scottish Government received over 3,800 responses from the public as part of Advocates for Animals' ‘LOOK OUT FOR SEALS' campaign, by far the largest single issue of concern in the consultation.
Overwhelming support for seal protection

Advocates for Animals Political Director, Libby Anderson, said: "We are delighted but not at all surprised by the overwhelming public and political support in favour of protecting seals. This reiterates what we have been saying for months and reflects the findings of our recent opinion poll where over 75% of respondents shared our view of the need for full legal protection for seals.

"We look forward to reading the Scottish Government's response and are confident that it will represent the public's strong commitment to protecting seals".