As the grass starts to grow, non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) compounds increase, especially in grass fertilised with artificial nitrogen. The risk to ponies and, more rarely, larger horses, is about to increase, particularly if we experience some warm weather.

Advice and help is offered at:

http://www.alternativevet.org/horse_diseases.htm#laminitis

http://www.alternativevet.org/WS130-07.pdf

http://www.alternativevet.org/Laminitis%20WS059-07.pdf

The season is almost upon us, again, when 'hunters' go out onto the ice to 'cull' young harp seals and to do so in a questionable manner. The arguments on both sides rage. Welfare groups lobby that the 'hunt' is cruel and inhumane and certainly the gruesome videos they show appear to support this. They also lobby that it is unsustainable and unjustifiable. The Canadian Government and vested-interest groups claim that it is 'for the most part' humane and certainly sustainable. New rules (which will, of course, be difficult to enforce) attempt to tighten up the welfare issues but the whole business still appears very grisly, when reports are read and videos are viewed. The conditions themselves make true humane killing a pretty remote prospect.

It is claimed that the local communities need the trade to support themselves but others argue that it is not justifiable in terms of what it brings in. It is even claimed that the Canadian Government actually subsidises the activity.

I am unable to go to the ice floes to see for myself (I deeply respect those who do) and I'm not sure I could stand the spectacle, anyway.  However it's dressed up, it looks horrendous and I certainly couldn't describe it as 'hunting'.

Sites with information are listed below. WARNINGS: the fourth item is PETA's video, which is most definitely not for the fainthearted. The fifth link reports eye-witness 'confessions' and makes extremely gruesome reading.

It certainly pays to try to be informed, as a potential trade war between Canada and Europe is looming, involving the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Holland, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Italy have declared their opposition to the trade. The EU itself may soon legislate against trade in Canadian seal goods. Canada is likley to react. Like it or not, the ramifications of this issue are likely to spread well beyond the Arctic Circle.

Personally, I have to come down against the 'hunt' on the basis of the information I have to hand and knowing how difficult it is to be humane, even under so-say 'perfect' conditions. The conditions out there in perilous waters and on the ice are clearly far from perfect.

However, I do think it's time welfare groups dropped the emotive use of 'white' baby seals ('whitecoats') in their campaigns, to 'sell' their appeals, as the killing of such young babies is now illegal (and was banned in 1987).

Nonetheless, baby seals are still considered 'fair game' at the tender age of two weeks, after the white coat is shed. Coat colour is a distraction from the main issue. We should not be influenced by how cute a seal looks but by the facts, as well as we can determine them.

Mankind is not always remarkable for the respect he shows to animals. Respect, decency and humanity should be by-words of civilised society.

If you wish to add your voice to protests, there is an on-line petition to sign in the third link below.

1. http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/sealhunt/

2. http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=364221

3. http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/seal_08_dev?rk=m1djqL9qjUSkE (on-line petition)

4. http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/video.asp?video=seal07

5. http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/default.aspx?oid=84960

6. http://www.hsus.org/protect_seals.html

7. http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/default.aspx?oid=21446

8. http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/default.aspx?oid=82078

9. http://www.stopthesealhunt.ca/site/c.jhKSIZPzEmE/b.2607991/k.B25F/Stop_the_Seal_Hunt__300000_Actions_for_300000_Seals.htm

10. http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/seal-phoque/myth_e.htm

11. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4392217.stm

12. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/03/0324_060324_seal_hunt.html?fs=www3.nationalgeographic.com&fs=plasma.nationalgeographic.com

Methods of killing include rifles and the 'hakapik'.

[Why not take a look at www.alternativevet.org , while you're here?]