Oddie joins call for hunting ban
BILL Oddie has joined forces with Ynys Môn MP Albert Owen to call for an urgent ban on trophy-hunting imports.
The Conservationist and broadcaster said trophy hunting was putting pressure on vulnerable wildlife
He said: “Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs and rhinos are all fighting for their lives.
“We could see all of them go extinct within a generation. When you’ve got a scattered, dwindling population, the loss of a handful of animals doesn’t just cause a ripple effect – it can be like a tsunami wave.
“Trophy hunting has always been senseless cruelty. Letting people kill them because they think it’s entertaining is just insane, especially when you’re talking about wildlife with such a vulnerable status”.
New figures released recently show that nearly 400 hunting trophies from endangered animals have been imported into Britain in recent years, as well as almost one tonne of elephant tusks.
Albert Owen MP is calling on the government to ban the import of hunting trophies, saying: “Britain is a nation of animal lovers. The vast majority of constituents regard tro- phy hunting to be cruel, archaic and immoral.
“The most popular trophies for British hunters include elephants, lions, hippopotamuses, leopards and rhinoceroses.
“Trophy hunting is having a direct impact on the conservation status of some of the world’s most endangered wildlife.
“The UK should show global leadership in helping to stop trophy hunting. A ban on trophy imports is an important step to bringing tro- phy hunting to an end.”
Eduardo Goncalves from the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting added: “British trophy hunters are targeting endangered animals.
“They have killed literally hundreds of elephants, hippos, leopards and lions – and then brought back their body parts for show.
“Australia, France and the Netherlands have introduced import bans.
“We hope the UK government takes action before it is too late.”