Morrissey today issued a statement indicating that he will not be performing in Canada as a protest against the annual seal hunt.

Morrissey explained the gesture:

I fully realise that the absence of any Morrissey concerts in Canada is unlikely to bring the Canadian economy to its knees, but it is our small protest against this horrific slaughter - which is the largest slaughter of marine animal species found anywhere on the planet, The Canadian Prime Minister says the so-called 'cull' is economically and environmentally justified, but this is untrue

The Canadian Prime Minister also states that the slaughter is necessary because it provides jobs for local communities, but this is an ignorant reason for allowing such barbaric and cruel slaughter of beings that are denied life simply because somebody somewhere might want to wear their skin. Construction of German gas chambers also provided work for someone - this is not a moral or sound reason for allowing suffering.

The former Smiths vocalist has been a staunch vegetarian since the age of 11; he was the recipient of the Linda McCartney Memorial Award last year and has also been criticized by British government officials, some of whom suggested that Morrissey should be investigated by the police.

The vocalist will soon be releasing Ringleader of the Tormentors on April 4th via Sanctuary Records and is his eighth solo album. His last album was the 2004 release You Are the Quarry.