The situation for the African elephant is dire. More than 30,000 are killed every year by poachers for their tusks, with some scientists observing they could go extinct by 2020 if the current rate of killing is sustained.
Within this context an Australian MP, Robert Borsak, from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, has stated that he shot, killed and ate an elephant on a hunting trip because it is humanity's "right" to do so, according to a report in The Huffington Post.
The report states: "Robert Borsak... defended the consumption of the elephant during a speech he made before New South Wales parliament Tuesday against the "insidious growth of skewed animal rights ideology." Borsak was referencing an initiative by the country's Green Party to end "Australia's killing culture" against species like kangaroos, which are often deemed a pest and culled en masse."
Mr Borsak is further quoted as saying, “Animals do not have intrinsic human rights," he said. "Humans have a right to eat meat if they choose to do so. It is as simple as that."
The attitude displayed by Mr Borsak is not acceptable - African elephants are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), while the Asian elephant is classed as endangered. It is the responsibility of humanity to ensure elephants survive, for future generations and for the rights of the animal.
Will you please join me in demanding Mr Borsak resigns from his position? Please sign and share the petition.
