Animal-Welfare Group’s Suit Targets Testosterone Trade

An environmental group said Thursday it is suing the Canadian government to block its involvement in the export of seal penises.

The suit against Fisheries Minister David Anderson was filed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, which has been campaigning for years to halt Canada’s commercial seal hunt.

Seal penises are particularly popular in Hong Kong, China and Korea, where their testosterone content is believed to act as an aphrodisiac.

“It is simply against the law in Canada to sell or import testosterone unless you’re a physician,” said Clayton Ruby, the animal rights group’s lawyer.

He said the suit demands an explanation from the government within 20 days.

“Very shortly after that, I can have them in court and I can make a judge, I hope, order them to stop this vile, fraudulent and illegal trade,” Ruby said.

The fisheries ministry said it had been advised of the suit but would not comment on matters before the courts.