Canned hunting is still rife in South Africa, with heavily discounted hunts on offer ahead of the phase-out of the industry, according to a statement released by the South African non-governmental organisation Blood Lions.
Photograph: from Facebook
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has passed a policy resolution against captive or “canned” lion hunting, the breeding of lions for the intent of canned lion hunting, and the breeding of lions for the sale of their bones and other derivatives.
But this disturbing clip shows a male captive-bred lion being shot with a crossbow before finally being killed by multiple bullets fired by the PHs with a rifle, which has been used to promote discounted “canned” hunts in South Africa ahead of the phase-out of the industry.
‘South Africa is getting ready to close this kind of hunting for lions,’ is a statement made in this promotional video alluding to the type of hunts on offer to prospective trophy hunters. This is a big concern, as it indicates a move by the captive breeding industry to kill off as many of their lions as possible before the intended phase-out is implemented, with total disregard for the big cats’ welfare and the global call to ban this type of hunting.
The colloquial term “canned hunting” refers to shooting captive-bred and/or tamed animals released into confined areas, ensuring they have little to no chance of escaping their fate. It also covers other terms, such as captive hunting, high-fence hunting and ranch hunting, involving lions intensively bred in captivity for commercial purposes.
‘This industry has raised numerous ethical and conservation concerns, leading to increased calls for its ban,’ says DA member on the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Hannah Shameema Winkler MP. ‘Canned lion hunting is also inextricably linked with the lion bone, cub-petting and lion derivatives industries, creating a vicious cycle of exploitation.’
Photograph: from Facebook
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has responded by releasing a notice calling for the registration of participants who would consider a voluntary exit from the Captive Lion Industry, calling on Minister Barbara Creecy to act with urgency to fast-track all processes to put an end to the industry.
‘By addressing the ethical, conservation and welfare concerns associated with these practices, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible approach to wildlife management and conservation in South Africa, and move one step further to restoring our reputation as a world leader in conservation,’ Winkler concludes.
How can you help? Spread awareness and educate yourself and others by visiting the Blood Lions campaigns page.
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