For years, many organizations have been raising awareness of trophy hunting and strongly denouncing the practice and wealthy businessmen that do it. This new breed of serial killers often work in poor countries where they can bribe a few corrupt accomplices who allow them to kill these animals with impunity. These hunters and poachers from around the world travel to South Africa not only to kill large cats, but also elephants and rhinos. Although killing these animals is regulated in some countries, it has become a profitable business for international mafia. According to figures reported by the organization, LionAid, 1166 lions were killed and imported into Europe between 2008 and 2012.
European countries must take measures that address the magnitude of this phenomenon.
Voluntary contemptuous and violent behavior
Despite his admission of guilt and regret over killing Cecil, it is impossible to believe the sincerity of his comments given the premeditated and organized nature of his hunt.
1. The cost to hunt the lion is $50,000, an expense that requires a voluntary actor with a premeditated plan.
2. Hunted, skinned and beheaded. The deliberate and violent means used to kill Cecil, as well as the immediate departure of the hunter, indicate he knew exactly what he was doing and had likely done it before.
Trophy hunting highlights the fact with the right amount of money; anyone can kill even protected animals. The reality is the rich can even buy that which should not be sold.
We must harness all of our energy to prevent this behavior and to stop these practices.
Sign this petition that asks:
- the African Union to ban trophy hunting
- the Western countries to systematically prosecute their citizens who engage in these barbaric practices