Think twice before supporting IFAW

As has been widely publicised, there has been some contention regarding
the IFAW's involvement and cooperation in finding a resolution to the
Namibian Seal Slaughter.


Frustrated by the apathy displayed by IFAW in not answering any
questions that were posed by Seal Alert South Africa, the latter
organisation, in a last ditch effort to find answers, launched a media
"attack" on the IFAW. This was not an act of aggression, but a
desperate effort to try and get IFAW to react. Yet, again, no reaction
was forthcoming.


I, the author, then approached the IFAW as an independent concern,
posing questions of my own. I received no response from any of the IFAW
employees I addressed, and had to resort to the threat of informing
loyal IFAW supporters that the organisation is merely interested in
financial gain and fraudulently claims to have laudable and noble
causes.


To the credit of IFAW, one Finn McGuire (Worldwide Supporter Relations
Manager) responded and in general the impression was created that as a
representative of the IFAW, he is willing to cooperate in answering my
questions, for which I was truly grateful. His response to my
communication was forwarded to Seal Alert SA - seeing as certain
issues were brought up concerning the relationship and past history
with Seal Alert, I saw it fit to share information.

Seal Alert in turn responded with a press release defending certain
accusations made by the IFAW. This in itself seems to be a fair
reaction - anyone who stands accused of something has the right to
defend him or herself.


However, this right to defence was badly received by Finn McGuire of
the IFAW and subsequently I received a message from him expressly
stating his displeasure at my actions of including Seal Alert in
information sharing and the message ended with: "our communication is
over".


Once again, I took it upon myself to personally call Finn McGuire and
apologised for the fact that he took offence at my action. At no stage
during our communication did he express that the conversation that was
transpiring between us, was of a confidential nature. Had he done so, I
would have honoured his wishes.


It is no secret that there is seemingly no love lost between these to
organisations. In my initial communication with Finn McGuire, I voiced
my concern about the utter counter productivity that results from the
infighting between animal welfare organisations, and he wholeheartedly
concurred. He also reiterated that the primary and most important issue
is the welfare of the animals. The latest development is contrary to
his statement.

In the telephonic conversation, aimed at making some form of
restitution with Finn McGuire and regain his confidence, I offered to
be a mediator between Seal Alert SA and IFAW (on a completely voluntary
basis) if they do not feel comfortable in dealing with Seal Alert SA.
The question was posed as why I want IFAW and Seal Alert SA to work
together and the answer is logical and simple:

We are dealing with a critical situation and both organisations
(apparently) have the same objective in mind. On the one hand we have
the absolute devoted passion of Seal Alert SA and on the other hand we
have a concern that not only has a vast network of global support, but
also the funds, the power and the resources. If we can combine the two,
there is no doubt that the outcome will be SUCCESS. And that is the
ultimate issue.

May I also add, at this point, that if a supporter has to BEG and PLEAD
with an animal welfare organisation to help animals, there is something
seriously wrong with the equation.


It is with sadness and regret that I now inform all supporters, whether
you be IFAW or Seal Alert SA supporters, that IFAW and Finn McGuire has
explicitly and expressly stated that they are completely and utterly
unwilling to work with those of us who care deeply and passionately
about stopping the Namibian Seal Slaughter. I quote:


"We will do what we do".


In other words, in so many words, "p*ss off".


This is probably the first bit of honesty and transparency from the
IFAW. Just such a pity it comes at the cost of thousands of pups and
seals.