Canada's commercial harp seal hunt remains one of the largest marine mammal hunts in the world, with ongoing welfare controversies.
Harp seal pups improperly struck with hakapiks suffer skull fractures without immediate loss of consciousness. Video evidence has shown pups being skinned while conscious. The uncertainty about whether individual seals are effectively killed before skinning represents a fundamental welfare concern. Improper strikes that fail to instantly render the animal unconscious cause significant suffering.