Trophy hunters face jail

Stars urge support for private bill as PM breaks pledge on new law

HUNTERS smuggling in big game trophies face seven years’ jail under a planned new law.

And all owners of hunting trophies – such as lion skins, tusks, antlers, heads and other macabre souvenirs – would have to register or face jail.

The changes, proposed in a Bill, come after legislation promised by PM Boris Johnson two years ago has failed to appear. Labour MP John Spellar’s plan is supported by celebrities and across the political divide, including by Tory MPS.

Hunters can import trophies of animals, including polar bears and reindeer, under a limited number of Government licences.

The Hunting Trophy (Prohibition) Bill would make importing threatened or vulnerable species an offence, with culprits facing up to seven years in jail.

It would bring trophy smuggling into line with laws covering the import of ivory from elephants and rhino.

Mr Spellar said: “It’s time for action, not words. We need to make sure that these sick imports are stopped and the only way to do that is to make it a crime.” Actress Dame Judi Dench said the Government should back the Bill to show its “determination to ban animals being senselessly slaughtered for souvenirs.” Downton Abbey star Peter Egan said: “Wildlife can’t wait any more. Every year that goes by without this ban in place means hundreds more animals are killed just for kicks.”

The private members’ bill is likely to need Government support to become law.

Every year without ban means hundreds more

animals die