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Veterinarians Ban Unethical 'Green Hunting'
6 October 2011



THE increasing method of immobilising animals with drugs during hunting was strongly condemned by Namibian veterinarians.

According to a press release by the Veterinary Council of Namibia (VCN), poachers are increasingly using drugs during illegal hunts. Particularly, the council pointed out that the worrying increase of rhino poaching in South Africa, which is often done with drugs obtained illegally from veterinarians.

The method, described as "green hunting" by the VCN could potentially migrate into Namibia, the VCN warned. They said the "risk of rhino poaching with the use of this method spilling over into Namibia is ever present. It is therefore critical that the veterinary profession of Namibia is proactive and leads by example to endeavour to prevent the potential abuse and destruction of animal populations".

According to the VCN press release, the association has declared veterinary involvement in any green hunt as "unethical".

The VCN declared that with immediate effect, the council condemns the involvement of any veterinarian who is involved in green hunts in Namibia. The VCN said veterinarians found involved in a green hunt will be regarded as unprofessional or unethical and will be investigated.

According to the VCN green hunts are defined as the practice whereby a registered veterinarian facilitates the chemical immobilisation or anaesthesia of an animal by a person not registered by the VCN, whether for commercial gain or not.

The VCN says the decision to publicly declare green hunts unethical comes in the interest of the Namibian community and future generations, as well as in the interest of public safety, animal welfare and tourism.


The VCN explained that the use of scheduled medicines for the chemical immobilisation or anaesthesia of wild animals is restricted to facilitate legal movement, disease surveillance and medical treatment of these animals. They said that scheduled medicines may not be used for recreational purposes or to create potential commercial activities whereby animals are unnecessarily exposed to hunting, as well as the stress and potential dangers associated with anaesthesia.

Scheduled medicines used for game capture are highly dangerous and potentially fatal for humans in very small doses, and legally may only be handled by trained and registered professionals.

For this reason, chemical immobilisation and or any administration of anaesthesia to animals are procedures restricted to veterinary professionals and para-professionals registered as such with the VCN, the statement noted.