UK To Introduce Ban On Importing Hunting Trophies
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A law that will ban hunters from importing hunting trophies and prevent people from buying harmful animal experiences such as elephant tours is finally due to be passed this week.
The bill was first due to be published in July, but has since been delayed several times.
The UK government has been talking about the ban since 2019.
In that time, more than 300 trophies of endangered animals killed on safaris have been shipped to the UK.
A source told the Daily Mail: "This week, we will set out our next steps. They will be comprehensive, robust and effective and deliver the change promised to help protect thousands of species."
According to the organisation Campaign To Ban Trophy Hunting, 200,000 endangered animals have been killed in the last 10 years by trophy hunters, accumulating 1.7 million 'trophies' from animals they have killed.
The group, which is supported by celebrities including Dame Judi Dench and Ricky Gervais, is planning to send out a book shaming 75 British hunters to force the hand of MPs.
The group's founder, Eduardo Goncalves, said: "Some of the most notorious trophy hunters are British and were last year happily shooting lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, leopards, zebras and even baboons.
"The Government continued to issue import permits so they could bring home their bodies, skins, skulls and tusks. This has to stop. It's an utter disgrace and shames Britain."
The proposed ban forms part of the Animals Abroad Bill which tackles animal cruelty and supports conservation efforts overseas.
MP Neil Parish who is chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee overseeing the bill said the laws need to address the issues while still 'remaining sensitive' to 'the reality of conservation overseas'.
"As a nation of animal lovers, it is right that the UK legislates to remove its involvement from any form of animal cruelty, at home and abroad," Parish said.
"The proposed new Bill has the potential to make real change to the survival of protected species, but it is crucial that it is sensitive to the reality of conservation overseas.
"We will be thoroughly scrutinising the Bill, hearing from those with expertise in conservation and animal protection.
"We have a tremendous opportunity here to cement our place as a world leader in animal welfare. We must ensure it is done properly."
