BARDOT PLEADS WITH CANADIANS TO STOP SEAL HUNT

Last updated: Thursday, March 23, 2006

BARDOT PLEADS WITH CANADIANS TO STOP SEAL HUNT

LATEST: French screen legend BRIGITTE BARDOT launched an impassioned plea to Canadians to help her stop their government's controversial seal hunt, after arriving in Ottawa yesterday (22MAR06).

The AND GOD CREATED WOMAN actress last visited the region in 1977 - when she hugged a seal pup on an ice flow - and has returned to voice her opposition to plans to extend hunting the mammal by another four years and set a kill quota of 325,000 animals this year (06).

The 71-year-old, who appeared using crutches, told a press conference, "You must join me to ensure this hunt stops. How can we continue to kill seals in a rich country like Canada... I am not crazy... I am pleading with you.

"This will likely be my last visit to Canada before I die. I want to see this barbaric massacre stopped before then."

A group of native Canadian Inuits wearing traditional dress protested against Bardot's visit, banging drums and brandishing placards.

Bardot has been snubbed by the Canadian prime minister and a string of high-ranking officials who refuse to discuss their controversial policy with her in person.

| Thursday, March 23, 2006

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