South Africa: Stop cruel lion breeding in its tracks

In an unprecedented move, South African Environment Minister Barbara Creecy has issued a far-reaching policy paper to end lion breeding, canned lion hunting, cub petting, lion bone sales and the international sale of rhino horn and ivory. It also has the world’s most enlightened definition of sustainable use.

But there’s a problem. The public have been given 30 days from June 28 to comment and the Minister, in terms of law, is obliged to listen and take comments into account.

The breeders, with an appalling history of cruelty to wild animals, are highly organised and will flood the minister with objections. They will far surpass the environmental NGOs in the sheer volume of submissions, backed by wealthy organisations.

That’s why we need your urgent help. With wildlife a key tourist drawcard as the country claws itself back from Covid lockdowns, The Minister is very sensitive to international opinion.

Without strong international public support, Minister Creecy’s draft policy is at risk. We have less than 30 days to reset South Africa’s course on conservation. Please sign the petition now and send it to everyone you know.