Wildlife traffickers lumped in with drug dealers

05 November 2015 - 02:36 By ©The Daily Telegraph

Big game hunters face a ban from importing trophies into the US as American politicians back a bill designed to prevent other lions suffering the same fate as Cecil. The measure, which has been passed by the US House of Representatives, which requires the backing of the Senate, would also impose similar penalties on wildlife traffickers to those meted out to illegal arms and drug dealers. Even its title, The Conserving Ecosystems by Ceasing the Importation of Large (CECIL) Animal Trophies Act, was inspired by the much-loved lion killed in Zimbabwe in July by Walter Palmer, a Minnesota dentist.A bill, which had bipartisan support, was introduced in August by Senator Bob Menendez, a Democratic congressman from New Jersey.In addition to banning the import of lion trophies and imposing tougher penalties on traffickers, the measure is also intended to enable action to be taken against countries that fail to tackle big-game poaching within their own boundaries.Palmer went into hiding for several weeks following the global outcry at Cecil's death.Palmer, in his one interview, insisted he had the correct permits and last week Zimbabwe announced he would not be prosecuted for the lion's death.The killing of Cecil has also been the subject of an investigation by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Justice. It was examining whether Cecil's death contravened the Lacey Act, which enforces legal protection for endangered species outside the US. ..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.