Stop Maliciously Slaughtering Lions for Trophies

Target: Ms. Barbara Creecy, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries in South Africa

Goal: Protect lions from gruesome death through trophy hunting.

The lions in South Africa are in acute danger due to the destruction of their habitats and humans’ gruesome hunting activities. These majestic animals endure horrible torture in captivity and meet a gruesome end during a sport called “canned hunting.” Despite growing evidence and civil society pressure, the closure of this industry is in a faraway distance.

Canned lion hunting in South Africa is one of the cruelest trophy hunting practices that exist in modern days. It is estimated that over 7,000 lions are held in captivity at over two hundred breeding farms across South Africa, although the number might be much higher.

The lions are born in captivity and forcefully taken away from their mothers within only a few hours of birth. The defenseless cubs are then used in petting zoos for human profit. The matured lions are moved to caged compounds where they spend the rest of their lives waiting to be released in yet another enclosure for the so-called ‘canned’ hunt. Trapped in the compounds, these magnificent animals do not stand a chance against the brutality of mankind.

After slaughtering the lions, the hunter leaves with his “trophy,” and the remains of the animal are sold in the international bone and meat trade.

The trade of live lions, parts, and byproducts other than for rescue, or as part of an endangered species breeding program and regulated scientific research has to stop. We must fight for the safeguard of these animals. The South African authorities have to end the cruel keeping of lions for canned hunting, and the ghastly practice itself.

Sign this petition to ban canned hunting in South Africa.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Miss Creecy,

Thousands of lions in South Africa are brutally slaughtered for human gain in a sport called “canned hunting.” This method entails the most horrific treatment of a living being. The animals are raised to be killed for entertainment, their parts are sold in the international bone and meat trade, all for human gain. South African lions are a vulnerable species, and this sport has a significant impact on the destruction of these majestic creatures. It is a great shame for a country to be associated with such cruelty.

The trade of live lions, parts, and byproducts other than for rescue, or as part of an endangered species breeding program and regulated scientific research must be prohibited. You must end the cruel keeping of these animals for canned hunting, and the ghastly practice itself. Save the precious lives of South African lions. Ban the hunt.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Mathias Appel