OTTAWA (AP) — Canada is taking its seal hunt dispute with the European Union to the World Trade Organization.

Trade Minister Stockwell Day said Monday that Ottawa has formally requested WTO consultations on Europe's ban of Canadian seal products, the first stage of the world body's dispute-settlement process.

Day says the regulation, adopted by 27 European countries earlier this year, is a violation of the EU's trade obligations. The ban is to come into force next August.

Animal rights groups have protested the annual hunt, saying it is cruel, poorly monitored and provides little economic benefit. Seal hunters and Canadian authorities say it is sustainable, humane and provides income for villagers in isolated northern indigenous Inuit communities.