The commercial seal hunt, particularly in Canada, has been subject to decades of welfare controversy regarding killing methods and animal suffering.
Commercial seal hunting welfare depends critically on killing method proficiency. When correctly applied, hakapik strikes achieve rapid skull fracture. Assessment of actual hunt conditions has repeatedly found inadequate compliance with welfare standards. The collapse of major markets for seal products following the EU import ban has reduced but not eliminated the hunt. Commercial seal hunting welfare remains a legitimate concern requiring independent monitoring.