Share

Namibia in seal clubbing row

Johannesburg - An animal rights group on Monday called for Namibia to withdraw its team from the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in September.

The Seals of Nam hoped a withdrawal would draw some attention to the killing of seals on the Namibian coast.

"We are making a formal request to the IRB to drop all Namibian fixtures from the World Cup," it said in a statement, which was apparently also sent to the International Rugby Board (IRB) and the SA Rugby Union.

"We are also appealing to the teams from South Africa, Wales and Fiji to show solidarity in this regard and publicly denounce the annual slaughter."

This is the third straight year in which the Namibian fisheries ministry has set a quota to cull over 90 000 endangered Cape Fur seals.

According to the animal rights group 85 000 baby seals are beaten to death at Cape Cross and Atlas Bay in Namibia, and 6 000 bulls shot.

The Southern African nation is one of only five in the world that kills seals.

A number of international animal rights groups, including the United Kingdom-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have condemned Namibia's annual culling of the endangered species. The Seals of Nam has called for the international community to boycott Namibian exports in protest.

According to PETA's website, the motivation behind the culling is increased demand for baby seal fur.

The Namibian team, who are unlikely to reach the World Cup playoffs, are set to play three pool matches at the global showpiece, against Wales, South Africa and Fiji.
 
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE