Commercial seal hunts in Canada, Norway, and Namibia remain controversial welfare issues. Understanding the science of killing methods and population impacts is essential for evidence-based advocacy.
The primary welfare concern in seal hunting is the high proportion of animals that are not killed instantly. Animals that are shot or clubbed but not immediately incapacitated experience pain and distress before death. Advocacy campaigns have successfully reduced demand for seal products internationally, effectively making the hunt economically marginal, though it continues with government subsidies in key countries.