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Morrissey caused controversy earlier this week when he announced his decision to not take his world tour to Canada in protest against the country's annual seal hunt.

As previously reported, the singer has issued a statement on his official website saying that he won't be visiting the country to promote his forthcoming album 'Ringleader Of The Tormentors'. Dates have already been played in the US, and he's due to visit Europe later this spring.

"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 singer said. "The Canadian Prime Minister says the so-called 'cull' is economically and environmentally justified, but this is untrue."

He added: “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."

It has been reported that up to 325,000 young harp seal pups could be killed in the coming weeks, despite international appeals for it to stop.

However, his decision has split opinion amongst his fans, with some supporting Morrissey’s beliefs, and others who feel Canadian fans are being discriminated against due to others’ actions.

NME.COM wants to know what you think about the Mozfather’s latest comments. Are you from Canada and upset you're not going to see him play live? Or is he right to boycott the country?

Send your views through to news@nme.com.

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Date/Time	Venue	Town/City	Seetickets	Viagogo
Jul 28, 2012 18:00	Manchester Arena	Manchester	Buy Morrissey Tickets from £45	Buy Morrissey Tickets
Jul 28, 2012 19:00	Manchester Arena	Manchester	Tickets not currently available.	Buy Morrissey Tickets from £40