Importing hunting trophies from lions, rhinos, elephants and polar bears are to be outlawed by one of the world’s toughest bans.
Environment Secretary George Eustice today announces plans to protect thousands of the world’s threatened species.
The legislation will sit alongside the Government’s ivory ban and is expected to be introduced in spring next year.
It will apply to imports of trophies from animals including Africa’s ‘Big Five’ – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos.
Ministers assert that the ban will have the strongest impact on the planet and protect many species, including almost 6,000 endangered ones.
Pictured: Environment Secretary George Eustice arrives in Downing Street Tuesday
This will cover over 1,000 species that are also under threat such as the African buffalo, zebra, and reindeer.
The trophy is the animal’s head, skin or any other body part that the hunter keeps as a souvenir.
Public outrage has been caused by images of wealthy tourists holding the bodies of dead animals.
In 2019, the Government conducted a consultative process on banning cigarettes. 44,000 respondents responded, with 86% in favor of further action.
Mr Eustice said: ‘More animal species are now threatened with extinction than ever before and we are appalled at the thought of hunters bringing back trophies and placing more pressure on some of our most iconic and endangered animals.
Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting of Hunters Who Have Killed Lions
‘This would be one of the toughest bans in the world… meaning we will be leading the way in protecting endangered animals.’
From 2004-14, there were 1.7 million trophies legally traded around the world. Around 200,000 came from threatened species.
British hunters brought home approximately 2,500.
Eduardo Goncalves, founder of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, said: ‘Endangered animals are cruelly and needlessly killed every day.
‘I urge the Government to bring the bill to Parliament as soon as possible, and will be asking MPs and peers to get behind it.’