Dogs and Cats used as Shark Bait

I couldn’t believe what I was reading and now I’m sure our world has gone nuts. Fishermen off the coast of France are using dogs, puppies and cats as bait to catch sharks. Shark fins are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world and in the Mediterranean they are consumed as a staple. 

This is simply outrageous and it needs to stop immediately. The Sea Shepard Conservation Society (Green Peace Affiliate) is offering rewards for people with information leading to convictions of these folks. Check out their site at  http://www.seashepherd.org

The reward page is http://www.seashepherd.org/get-involved/rewards.html#scottish_seal_killers

Here is a copy of what they are trying to stop.

For the first successful conviction of a fisherman using a dog or cat as shark bait and €200 for each conviction thereafter

Dogs and cats are also involved in an assault on nature, this time as victims and as bait. On the French island of La Reunion in the Indian Ocean, fishermen have been using live dogs and cats as bait for sharks.

This practice is specifically outlawed by French law but the law, as in many places throughout the world, is ignored by fishing communities who apparently believe they are above the law.

The dogs and cats have hooks passed through their snouts or through the tendons in their legs and the hooks are attached to lines and rods. The hapless animals are then tossed into the water where their struggles attract sharks.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has sent a message to the police in La Reunion offering a reward of €1,000 (Euros) for the first successful conviction of a fisherman using a dog or cat as bait and €200 for each conviction thereafter.

The following letter was sent to the Chief of Police on La Reunion Island:

To: The Police
La Reunion Island

The international Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is offering a reward of 200 Euros to any police officer who successfully enforces the law prohibiting the use of dogs and cats as bait for the catching of sharks.

The Society is offering a reward of 1,000 Euros for the first conviction and 200 Euros for each conviction thereafter.

The reward will be paid upon the successful conviction of any person found guilty of using dogs or cats as bait in shark fishing as defined by the laws of France that specifically outlaw this practice.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society wishes to advise all police captains that they may submit the names of officers who have arrested suspects for using dogs or cats as shark bait and that the reward will be paid directly to the officer or officers upon a successful conviction.