Chimp doc hails trophy hunt ban

Dame Jane slams stupid marksmen

DAME Jane Goodall has cheered a forthcoming ban on imports of sick trophy hunting souvenirs after a Mirror-backed campaign.

The conservationist, famed for her study of chimpanzees, told a Westminster reception that marksmen who target endangered species may be “mentally diseased” or “stupid”.

Dame Jane, 88, was speaking after a Bill aimed at banning hunters bringing souvenirs to Britain passed its latest hurdle.

She held a placard paying tribute to Cecil the lion, whose death in 2015 in Zimbabwe by US dentist Walter Palmer shone a light on trophy hunting, which she branded “a very black mark on humanity”.

Dame Jane warned it was not just the killed wildlife that suffered but also the herd. “They can all feel sadness, fear and grieve.”

Tory MP Henry Smith is leading the fight to ban hunters’ souvenirs.

His Bill, which passed a second Commons reading, is due in Parliament in January.

He said: “We can really lead the way in consigning trophy hunting to the history books.”