In the words of Kevin Richardson aka the Lion Whisperer, "I just can't understand how anyone would want to shoot a lion that is clearly confined to a finite space with absolutely no hope in hell of ever escaping the so-called hunter...Canned lion-hunting, in my opinion, is likened to fishing with dynamite in a pond and then calling yourself a fisherman."
Sadly, however, canned lion hunting is big business in South Africa. The government promotes hunting as a revenue source and calls it a "sustainable utilization of natural resources." With this petition we hope to change the government's view on canned lion hunting to the point where it will be declared an illegal practice and not a "sport."
Please sign the petition and add further impact to your signature by adding your views on this issue in the form of a comment.
Dear Ms Sonjica
We, the undersigned would like to bring to your attention our views concerning canned lion hunting in South Africa.
Unlike poaching, the trade involving canned hunting is not illegal in this country and is openly promoted and advertised as a source of revenue. However, our view is that it is nothing short of cruelty that hides under the cloak of "sport". In a confined space, what chances do the lions have of escaping from the hunter? As living creatures, our natural response to danger would be fight or flight. Flight, however, is not even an option for these animals.
Kevin Richardson, who is also known as the Lion Whisperer sums up the cruelty of this "sport" perfectly when he says, "Canned lion hunting, in my opinion, is likened to fishing with dynamite in a pond and then calling yourself a fisherman."
We petition the government of South Africa, in the interest of animal welfare, to reconsider its stance on canned lion hunting, or canned hunting of any sort, and to declare this practice illegal.
We thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
