[This horrifying video shows harp seals being slaughtered with hakapiks; not for the faint of heart.]

The Canadian seal hunt opened this week with fewer animals being killed. Record-low ice kept sealers at home, with only four boats on opening day killing 1200 seals. Even though Canada has set the limit high, the slaughter has been diminished. Poor ice conditions have kept sealers out of the seal habitat. A 30-year long protest and international boycotts have also created low prices.

Canadian Seal Hunt Opens