I seriously disapprove of poaching but that is not what we're talking about. I found a poached deer once where only the antlers were taken. That kind of ingratitude for what was lost when the animal died is selfish and despicable.
The legal harvesting of seals for food and clothing seems to me to be quite acceptable. Especially when more than one part of the animal is used I see it as survival more than greed. I also noticed that most of the primary countries to which these furs are exported are north of the 45th parrallel. Do you realize how cold it can get at times there? I have gotten the best insulated coats to gaurd against the winds and cold and I also have fur coats. You know what keeps me warm the best on the coldest days?? FUR. Sheepskin, rabbit fur, or seal. Seal is also very water resistant which makes it excellent on those days with wet snow falling. My mother had a sealskin coat most of the time that I was growing up and she wore it nearly everywhere. She still has it 28 yrs later. The fur did not shed as would a deerskin or bearskin. The coat is still extremely warm even on cold days. To those who aren't vainly fashion conscious the sealskin coats have many more benefits.
I would be very surprised if seals were truely skinned alive. I imagine that once in a great while one might come to that was thought dead but it's not intended to work out that way. Have you ever tried to skin a critter while they're alive. It's a lot more work than skinning a dead one. Even if you are that carefless why put yourself through more work.
feelgood - I found your post very interesting. thankyou
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