Three animal rights activists protesting seal hunting have been arrested in front of the Canadian Embassy in Washington.

U.S. Secret Service police arrested three members of PETA this morning for disorderly conduct.

Police handcuffed the activists who were dressed in white seal costumes streaked in red paint to represent blood.

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The protesters crawled onto Pennsylvania Avenue and blocked traffic. When they refused to move officers removed their masks, handcuffed them and carried them to the sidewalk.

About 15 other activists stood nearby holding signs asking Prime Minister Stephen Harper to "stop the seal slaughter."

The group says harp seals are targeted in Canada and says it wants to send Mr. Harper a message as he visits U.S. President Barack Obama.