South Africa: Breeders Oppose New Lion Canned Hunting Laws

Cape Argus (Cape Town)

6 June 2007
Posted to the web 6 June 2007

Cape Town

The government is defending High Court action being brought against it by lion breeders opposed to new regulations designed to eliminate "canned hunting".

The action is being brought in Bloemfontein by the SA Predator Breeders' Association.


Environment Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk confirmed in his budget speech yesterday that they would be defending this not unexpected legal action.

"South Africa has a long-standing reputation as a global leader on conservation issues. We will not allow our achievements to be undermined by unethical and rogue practices."

He explained that the delay in bringing the new regulations into force - originally scheduled for this week, but now delayed to February 1 - was to allow provincial authorities time to make the necessary preparations. "I want to make it clear that this is in no way intended to signal a softening of our position."

At a media briefing ahead of the budget speech, senior officials said they were in the process of drawing up replying papers in the court case, which could be heard late this year.

Director-general Pam Yako agreed that the hunting industry was making a significant contribution to the economy, but said: "We will be defending this action - we're sending out that message very, very clearly."