Cecil the lion web story

We support new law aiming to curb trophy hunting

News

In the wake of the public outrage over Cecil the lion’s death in Zimbabwe, U.S. lawmakers have taken measures to curb trophy hunting by drafting the CECIL Animal Trophies Act.

The bill, introduced by Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ.), aims to curb trophy hunting of endangered and threatened animals.

“We support the legislation introduced by Senator Menendez today, known as the CECIL Animal Trophies Act, to extend restrictions on the U.S. import and export of animals being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. As the cruel killing of Cecil has shown, trophy hunting causes immense suffering for animals, including threatened and endangered species like African lions. The U.S. must do all we can to ensure their protection. Wild animals belong in the wild – not targeted and killed in the name of entertainment,” says Priscilla Ma, our former Executive Director.

Legal wildlife trade

The breeding, rental and sale of lions and other wild animals are all part of legal trade chains. The trade supports activities such as lion cub petting, ‘canned’ hunting, elephant rides and the use of tigers as photo props for selfies.

Wild animals suffer at every stage of this inherently cruel trade and are often kept in captive conditions, that cannot meet their needs, for their whole lives.

Take action

We move the world to protect wild animals and to keep them in the wild where they belong. Consider donating to help us protect wild animals like Cecil. With your support, we can continue our work to end cruel and unnecessary suffering of animals.

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