HARPSEALS.ORG KICKS OFF MEDIA BLITZ FOR OMAHA CAMPAIGN

OMAHA (October 26, 2005)- Harpseals.org is kicking off its media campaign in Omaha to create awareness and support for its efforts to end Canada’s annual seal hunt.

“Canada’s commercial seal hunt is the largest and cruelest slaughter of marine mammals on earth,” said Diana Marmorstein, CEO of Harpseals.org. “Each year, hundreds of thousands of baby seals are clubbed and shot to death, and many are even skinned alive.” A panel of international veterinarians who studied the commercial seal hunt concluded up to 42 percent of the seals they examined were likely skinned alive while conscious.
“We are very proud of volunteer efforts in Omaha, which has one of the most active chapters in the U.S. The Omaha team, which has also been volunteering for the Humane Society of the United States in the same campaign, received a standing ovation in the annual Dundee Day Parade and has had a letter published in the Orlando Business Journal. Omaha will receive the first billboard and radio ads in the Midwest from our organization next week.” Other awareness efforts planned are:
· Invitation-only Halloween costume party to raise money for the seals and the Nebraska Humane Society’s efforts to care for pets displaced by the hurricanes.
· Flyer and balloon give away at the Paul McCartney concert October 30th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Mr. McCartney is a well known animal welfare supporter.
· Press conference planned at the billboard unveiling November 1 at 90th and L Street at 5:30 pm.


Polling shows the majority of Canadians, Americans, and Europeans want the commercial seal hunt ended for good, and seafood consumers and vendors around the world are taking action by way of a boycott of Canadian seafood. For more information and to help, visit Harpseals.org.
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