Issue Type: Wildlife

Wildlife

Humane Society International / Global

HSI

When looking for your next flight, the Humane Society family of organizations urges you to consider airlines that currently have a hunting trophy transport ban.

Humane Society International is fighting to end trophy hunting around the world for good. The transport industry has a stake in the harmful global trade in hunting trophies. Therefore, we are working with major players to help them implement policies prohibiting the transport of hunting trophies.

Trophy hunting is killing animals for the purpose of acquiring parts or all of the animals for display. Trophy hunters do not kill animals in order to eat them. A hunting trophy is the dead animal, or the parts of an animal such as its head, skin, claws, teeth or any other body part, that the hunter keeps as a souvenir, decoration or display to represent the success of his or her hunt.

Airlines, freight carriers, and other businesses in the transport sector are in a unique position to protect wild animals from extinction due to exploitation. Each year, hundreds of thousands of animals, including endangered and threatened species, are killed by trophy hunters worldwide. Being able to transport a hunting trophy home is a key motivation for trophy hunting. Hunting trophy transport bans are aimed at reducing the number of trophies being transported, thereby reducing the animals being killed in countries worldwide.

Policies to ban trophy transport

Hunting trophies are transported home by air and other modes of transportation. By air, the hunting trophy can be carried onboard by a passenger as cabin luggage or as checked baggage. The hunting trophy can also be transported as cargo in a plane without a passenger. The passenger airline and the cargo handler are often different companies using the same plane. We make clear distinctions between passenger baggage and freight policy restrictions. It is important that airline policies include both baggage and cargo prohibitions. Without such a distinction and without strict, published company policies that include hunting trophies as prohibited items, trophy hunters may continue to easily and cost-effectively transport their hunting trophies through major airlines.

Fortunately, a growing number of airlines, cargo handlers and other companies in the transportation industry are saying “no” to hunting trophies by instituting policies to prohibit the transport of hunting trophies in baggage and/or cargo. The companies listed below have included hunting trophy bans in their online baggage and cargo policies.

Reference to any specific brand, trade, firm or corporation name is for the information of the public only, and does not constitute or imply endorsement by Humane Society International or its affiliates of any specific provider or its products or services. Links and access by hypertext to other websites is provided as a convenience only and does not indicate any endorsement with respect to any of the content on such websites. The information is obtained from public sources believed to be reliable, but is in no way guaranteed regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

No * = Passenger airline
* = Freight and cargo
** = Other in transport industry

A
Aerolíneas Argentinas | Argentina
Product list of prohibited and restricted items in luggage: Hunting Trophies (Argentine Autochthonous Fauna) – The transport of hunting trophies is prohibited on all company flights, both in domestic and international flights. Important: this prohibition does not apply to invasive alien species for which the necessary documentation is available for export. In such cases, the dispatch must be carried out by Cargo. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.aerolineas.com.ar/es-ar/equipaje/restringidos?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=Banner%20inferior%20de%20informaciones%20varias&utm_campaign=Art%C3%ADculos%20restringidos&artid=aeswbgi763)

AeroMéxico | Mexico
Forbidden and restricted baggage: Exotic species and hunting trophies – In order to protect Mexico’s biodiversity and natural heritage, AeroMéxico prohibits transporting hunting trophies on all its routes, both domestic and international. We also work with the corresponding authorities to prevent illegal-exotic-species traffic as well as its products and byproducts. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://aeromexico.com/en-nl/travel-information/baggage/forbidden-restricted-bagggage)

AeroMéxico Cargo | Mexico *
Dangerous goods forbidden by Aeromexico Cargo – The following items cannot be shipped by Aeromexico Cargo due to various corporate commitments, laws and restrictions mandated by Aviation Security:
Trophy hunting animals. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://amcargo.aeromexico.com/content/4-envios/1-limitaciones/prohibited_en.pdf)

Air France | France
Prohibited and regulated goods – 14 – Protected animals and plants -The illegal trade and transport of endangered animals and plants, or products derived from these protected species, is a growing threat to biodiversity. The following are strictly prohibited:
. the transport of hunting trophies (even if legally obtained) on all flights, in the hold, cabin, or cargo,
. the import of protected* animal or plant species, whether whole bodies or parts of living or non-living species.
Please don’t put yourself in an illegal situation, and stand by our side: check the legality of the products you carry, whether in the hold or the cabin.
* The list of protected species is defined by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
Last accessed May 23, 2024. (See https://wwws.airfrance.nl/information/bagages/produits-interdits-et-reglementes#14)

Air France Cargo | France *
Prohibited and regulated goods – 14 – Protected animals and plants -The illegal trade and transport of endangered animals and plants, or products derived from these protected species, is a growing threat to biodiversity. The following are strictly prohibited:
. the transport of hunting trophies (even if legally obtained) on all flights, in the hold, cabin, or cargo,
. the import of protected* animal or plant species, whether whole bodies or parts of living or non-living species.
Please don’t put yourself in an illegal situation, and stand by our side: check the legality of the products you carry, whether in the hold or the cabin.
* The list of protected species is defined by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
Last accessed May 23, 2024. (See https://wwws.airfrance.nl/information/bagages/produits-interdits-et-reglementes#14)

Air New Zealand Cargo | New Zealand *
International restrictions & prohibitions – Prohibited items – Hunting trophies: Lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo hunting trophies. Last accessed May 28, 2024. (See https://www.airnewzealandcargo.com/international-cargo-prohibited-for-travel)

American Airlines Cargo | United States *
Policies and Restrictions: Other Regulations: Pet Policy – American Airlines does not transport the following wild game trophies: elephant, lion, water buffalo, rhinoceros, or leopard. We reserve the right to refuse any wild game hunting trophy shipment. American Airlines also does not transport shark fins and shark fin products, in any form or packaging type. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.aacargo.com/learn/animals-policy-and-restrictions.html#aircraft-restrictions)

B
Buzz (Ryanair) | Poland
8.9 PROHIBITED ITEMS – Passengers are not allowed to bring into the security zone at the airport, as well as to carry the following items in their hand or checked baggage… 8.9.8 Fish or trophies from fishing and hunting. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.buzzair.com/en/terms-conditions-of-carriage/#8-9-przedmioty-zakazane)

C
Cargolux | Luxembourg *
Embargoed goods – As a company strongly focused on Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability, Cargolux has a growing list of items that it will not carry, on any of its network routes, for ethical and legal reasons. Cargolux has imposed the following commercial and/or regulatory embargoes:
Hunting trophies, any type/species. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.cargolux.com/Our-Expertise/Embargoed-Goods)

Cargolux Italia | Italy *
Embargoed goods – As a company strongly focused on Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability, Cargolux has a growing list of items that it will not carry, on any of its network routes, for ethical and legal reasons. Cargolux has imposed the following commercial and/or regulatory embargoes:
Hunting trophies, any type/species. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.cargolux-italia.com/Our-Expertise/embargoed-goods)

Cathay Pacific Cargo | China *
Sustainable development cargo carriage policy: Wildlife – Not knowingly facilitate or tolerate the carriage of illegal wildlife products, or game or hunting trophies (including legally hunted or legally acquired trophies). The Company understands that research will be on-going and the determination of good practice is a dynamic process, meaning this Policy will evolve over time. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.cathaypacificcargo.com/en-us/helpsupport/specialcargohandlingprocedures/sustainabledevelopmentcargocarriagepolicy.aspx)

Condor | Germany
Condor is committed to combating unsustainable and illegal wildlife trade, in accordance with CITES* regulations, and has a zero tolerance policy towards the transport of endangered and threatened species, hunting trophies (including legally hunted or legally acquired trophies) or other products associated with illegal wildlife activities, as carry-ons or checked baggage. Training is provided, in accordance with IATA guidelines for animal transport, which includes close scrutiny of documents and examination of transport containers. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.condor.com/us/flight-preparation/baggage-and-animals/travelling-with-pets.jsp)

*Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora

Corendon Dutch Airlines | The Netherlands
Forbidden Items – In connection with flight safety on board, the following items, both in hand baggage and in hold baggage, are not permitted: Trophies of (parts of) animals resulting from hunting, even when obtained legally. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.corendon.nl/bagage#verboden-items)

D
Delta Cargo | United States *
Restrictions – Delta Cargo prohibits the following: Shipping hunting trophies such as lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.deltacargo.com/Cargo/catalog/products/specialized-live?from=home)

DHL Express | Germany *
Prohibited Commodities – Hunting (Animal) trophies, animal parts such as ivory and shark fins, animal remains, or Animal-by-Products and derived products not intended for human consumption, prohibited for movement by the CITES Convention and/or local law. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.dhlexpress.nl/en/shipping/business/what-can-i-ship)

DHL Parcel | Germany **
DHL does not ship the following products: Certain rules apply to the content of your parcel. For security reasons we do not ship the following items: Animals (including insects), parts of animals (also fur and ivory) and hunting trophies. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.dhlparcel.nl/en/consumer/support/sending/not-allowed-ship#:~:text=For%20security%20reasons%20we%20do,valuable%20documents%20such%20as%20passports)

E
easyJet Europe | Austria
Terms and Conditions: Dangerous Goods and Items Unacceptable as Baggage – 13.18 You must not include in your Baggage the items listed below: …13.18.6 human or animal remains. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.easyjet.com/en/terms-and-conditions)

easyJet Switzerland | Switzerland
Terms and Conditions: Dangerous Goods and Items Unacceptable as Baggage – 13.18 You must not include in your Baggage the items listed below: …13.18.6 human or animal remains. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.easyjet.com/en/terms-and-conditions)

easyJet UK | United Kingdom
Terms and Conditions: Dangerous Goods and Items Unacceptable as Baggage – 13.18 You must not include in your Baggage the items listed below: …13.18.6 human or animal remains. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.easyjet.com/en/terms-and-conditions)

Emirates | United Arab Emirates
Protecting wildlife: Emirates has a zero tolerance policy on carrying banned species, hunting trophies or any products associated with illegal wildlife activities. Over the years, we’ve continually demonstrated our strong commitment to supporting CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) protocols in collaboration with entities such as the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Last assessed October 27, 2023. (See https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/about-us/our-planet/preserving-wildlife-and-habitats/)

Emirates SkyCargo | United Arab Emirates *
POLICY ON HUNTING TROPHIES AND PRODUCTS UNDER CITES APPENDIX 1: As a signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration (BPD) and operating in compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR), Emirates has a zero-tolerance policy on the carriage of banned species, hunting trophies or any product associated with illegal wildlife trade. We will not accept the following for carriage:
1. Products and parts of endangered animals, including hunting trophies, and plants (listed in CITES Appendix I)
2. Hunting trophies of elephants, rhinoceros, lions, and tigers
A complete list of restricted wildlife shipments can be found in the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) manual (under the Emirates Operator Variations).
Emirates proudly holds the IATA Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) certification, underscoring our stance on a zero-tolerance policy towards the illegal trade of wildlife and wildlife products worldwide. Last assessed 27/10/2023 (See https://www.skycargo.com/report-illegal-wildlife-trading/)

Etihad Airways | United Arab Emirates
Animal welfare and conservation policy – The Carriage of Animals, Plants and Their Products: We recognise that many animal and plant species around the world are in danger of extinction if efforts are not made to protect them, and that the trade in animals, plants and their products can negatively impact their survival. With this in mind, Etihad is committed to the conservation of species of animals, plants, and their products, and will not knowingly accept the carriage of: Hunting trophies derived from or containing any parts of animal origin, whether the animal concerned was wild born or bred in captivity. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See: https://www.etihadaviationgroup.com/content/dam/eag/corporate/etihadaviation/en-ae/desktop2/pdfs/Animal_Welfare_and_Conservation_Policy.pdf)

Etihad Cargo | United Arab Emirates *
Animal welfare and conservation policy – The Carriage of Animals, Plants and Their Products: We recognise that many animal and plant species around the world are in danger of extinction if efforts are not made to protect them, and that the trade in animals, plants and their products can negatively impact their survival. With this in mind, Etihad is committed to the conservation of species of animals, plants, and their products, and will not knowingly accept the carriage of: Hunting trophies derived from or containing any parts of animal origin, whether the animal concerned was wild born or bred in captivity. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See: https://www.etihadaviationgroup.com/content/dam/eag/corporate/etihadaviation/en-ae/desktop2/pdfs/Animal_Welfare_and_Conservation_Policy.pdf)

F
Finnair | Finland
Special cargo – Finnair has placed an embargo concerning hunting trophies, including their skin/hide and all articles made from or containing parts of such animals. Last accessed November 9, 2023. (See https://company.finnair.com/en/sustainability/environmental-sustainability)

Finnair Cargo | Finland *
Special cargo – Finnair has placed an embargo concerning hunting trophies, including their skin/hide and all articles made from or containing parts of such animals. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://cargo.finnair.com/en/products/special-cargo)

I
ITA Airways | Italy
Baggage – Restricted and prohibited items – Hunting trophies –
In compliance with ITA Airways’ ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) commitments, we intend to contribute to protecting biodiversity and promoting the protection and conservation of wild fauna, as envisaged by the goals of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). To this end, ITA Airways has joined the “Humane Society International” campaign, and formally bans the transport of all hunting trophies (including individual parts of animals) on all its flights, both in cargo shipments and in passengers’ checked baggage.

In this way, ITA Airways wishes to express its support for the two bills, currently being examined by the Italian Parliament, for zero tolerance towards the importation, exportation and re-exportation of such items, as indicated by the European Parliament’s Convention. Last accessed November 30, 2023. (See https://www.ita-airways.com/en_en/fly-ita/baggage/restricted-and-prohibited-items.html)

ITA Airways Cargo | Italy *
Baggage – Restricted and prohibited items – Hunting trophies –
In compliance with ITA Airways’ ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) commitments, we intend to contribute to protecting biodiversity and promoting the protection and conservation of wild fauna, as envisaged by the goals of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). To this end, ITA Airways has joined the “Humane Society International” campaign, and formally bans the transport of all hunting trophies (including individual parts of animals) on all its flights, both in cargo shipments and in passengers’ checked baggage.

In this way, ITA Airways wishes to express its support for the two bills, currently being examined by the Italian Parliament, for zero tolerance towards the importation, exportation and re-exportation of such items, as indicated by the European Parliament’s Convention. Last accessed November 30, 2023. (See https://www.ita-airways.com/en_en/fly-ita/baggage/restricted-and-prohibited-items.html)

K
KLM Cargo | The Netherlands *
4.3.3 Impact on Biodiversity – Through its membership of IATA, the Group is also committed to full compliance with CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Air France and KLM also have a worldwide policy prohibiting the transportation of hunting trophies (even when obtained legally) on board all their flights, in checked luggage, carry-on baggage and cargo. Last accessed May 27, 2024. (See https://www.airfranceklm.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/af_urd_2023_uk_vmel2_260424.pdf)

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | The Netherlands
Restricted items in checked baggage: Prohibited items – You are not allowed to bring the following items in your checked baggage: Products of animal origin. You cannot bring any products of animal origin that are the result of hunting, including (parts of) animals. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.klm.nl/en/information/baggage/restricted-items-checked-baggage#prohibited-items)

L
LOT Cargo | Poland *
Embargo Restrictions – Goods that are not accepted on PLL LOT aircrafts: Others: Hunting trophies. Last accessed May 27, 2024. (See https://www.lot.com/pl/en/cargo/products/restrictions)

M
Malta Air (Ryanair) | Malta
General terms & conditions (06 Sep 2021) – 8.9 Prohibited items: 8.9.4 Fish, birds or any animals killed and kept as hunting trophies. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/terms-and-conditions1)

R
Ryanair DAC Ireland | Ireland
General terms & conditions (06 Sep 2021) – 8.9 Prohibited item: …8.9.4 Fish, birds or any animals killed and kept as hunting trophies. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/terms-and-conditions/termsandconditionsar_696869348)

Ryanair UK | United Kingdom
General terms & conditions (06 Sep 2021) – 8.9 Prohibited items: …8.9.4 Fish, birds or any animals killed and kept as hunting trophies. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/ryanair-uk-terms-and-conditions0)

S
Swiss International Air Lines | Switzerland
Pets & Live Animals – At Swiss International Air Lines – and at Swiss WorldCargo – we dissociate ourselves from the transportation of live animals for research; in fact, SWISS does not accept any live animals destined for research for transport on any of its routes except live mice and live rats. Swiss WorldCargo complies with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) when it comes to the transportation of animals and has a ban in place on animal trophies as per CITES Appendix I (see http://www.cites.org/). A ban on ivory has already been in place for some time. In order to further help eliminate illegal trade and transportation of hunting trophies and save wildlife heritage, since 1 June 2015, we have extended the ban to the transportation of lion trophies as well as lion bones and body parts (CITES Appendix II). SWISS hopes these bans will finally contribute to stopping this cruel practice. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.swissworldcargo.com/en/pets_live_animals)

Swiss WorldCargo | Switzerland *
Pets & Live Animals – At Swiss International Air Lines – and at Swiss WorldCargo – we dissociate ourselves from the transportation of live animals for research; in fact, SWISS does not accept any live animals destined for research for transport on any of its routes except live mice and live rats. Swiss WorldCargo complies with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) when it comes to the transportation of animals and has a ban in place on animal trophies as per CITES Appendix I (see http://www.cites.org/). A ban on ivory has already been in place for some time. In order to further help eliminate illegal trade and transportation of hunting trophies and save wildlife heritage, since 1 June 2015, we have extended the ban to the transportation of lion trophies as well as lion bones and body parts (CITES Appendix II). SWISS hopes these bans will finally contribute to stopping this cruel practice. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.swissworldcargo.com/en/pets_live_animals)

T
TAP Air Cargo | Portugal *
Why choose TAP Air Cargo for the air transport of animals? – Since 2015, TAP has prohibited the shipment of animal trophies, laboratory animals, shark fins and any part of animals that appear on the list of “Endangered Animals”, as freight. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.tapcargo.com/en/products/air-transport-of-animals)

Transglobal Express | United Kingdom **
Dangerous, Hazardous & Prohibited Items: The following are Prohibited Items and are not accepted by any of our carriers: Animals & Animal Products: Includes Animal fur and skin, hunting trophies (including legally acquired), and other animal products. Last assessed 08/11/2023 (See https://www.transglobalexpress.co.uk/information/dangerous-and-hazardous/)

U
United Cargo | United States *
Rates, rules and regulations – Packing and labeling: United restricts the shipment of lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard or rhinoceros trophies as freight. United ships other trophies, following all U.S. domestic and international regulations, which prohibit the possession of trophies or other items associated with protected species. Last accessed March 30,2023. (See https://www.unitedcargo.com/en/us/learn/rules-and-regulations.html)

V
Virgin Atlantic Cargo | United Kingdom *
Cargo – We have an ethical carriage of cargo policy which outlines which products we can and cannot accept as cargo. For example. we will not carry any part of an animal which has been hunted for sport, for taxidermy purposes or for private collections or animals destined for circuses, zoos, wildlife parks and tourist attractions. Last accessed May 27, 2024. (See https://corporate.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/business-for-good/planet.html)

Virgin Australia | Australia
Baggage – Oversized and fragile items: Hunting trophies/shark fins: Virgin Australia does not support the transportation of hunting trophies, endangered species or shark fins and therefore, does not transport these items. Last accessed April 19, 2023. (See https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/oversized-fragile-items/)

Volotea | Spain
6. Baggage – 6.2. Baggage restrictions:
The following may not be carried as baggage: Any hunting trophies or products of animal origin that are the result of hunting, including (parts of) animals, in checked-in luggage or carry-on baggage. This policy aims to safeguard wildlife from extinction and direct harm, reflecting Volotea’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact and its dedication to responsible practices. We do not transport cargo. Last accessed February 8, 2024. (See https://www.volotea.com/en/legal-conditions/conditions-of-carriage/)

W
WestJet | Canada
Fishing and hunting equipment: Restrictions – WestJet and WestJet Cargo do not accept endangered species or the remains from endangered species, as listed on Environment Canada’s website under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), or trophies from any of the five big game animals (cape buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, rhinoceros) transported from other countries. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/baggage/fishing-hunting)

WestJet Cargo | Canada *
Fishing and hunting equipment: Restrictions – WestJet and WestJet Cargo do not accept endangered species or the remains from endangered species, as listed on Environment Canada’s website under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), or trophies from any of the five big game animals (cape buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, rhinoceros) transported from other countries. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/baggage/fishing-hunting)

Our 2015 Trophy-Free Transport campaign

In 2015, HSI/HSUS had a successful campaign to raise awareness and urge action against the transport of hunting trophies aimed at the transportation industry. Cecil the lion was tragically killed in 2015 by a trophy hunter who let Cecil suffer for over 10 hours during the hunt. Following the public outcry and opportunity for action, we asked over 200 airlines to ban the transport of hunting trophies. More than 40 airlines announced or reaffirmed bans on hunting trophy shipments on their carriers. Unfortunately, since then, only a minority of transport companies have followed through on their 2015 public commitment to institute policies on their consumer websites. Consequently, Humane Society International is pushing many of these companies to follow through and institute policy changes.

Artists, scientists, First Nations, animal protection and conservation groups urge province to end senseless killing of wildlife

Humane Society International / Canada

WildMedia/Alamy Stock

VICTORIA, Canada—A broad coalition of non-government organizations, scientists, environmentalists, eco-tourism operators and notable British Columbians, including Robert Bateman, have signed an open letter calling on the British Columbia government to end wildlife killing contests in the province once and for all. The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs has signed the open letter and also submitted a separate letter urging the BC government to end these contests.

Wildlife killing contests take place legally across British Columbia every year. During these contests, animals are killed to accumulate points towards winning cash and/or prizes. Animals commonly targeted in these contests include coyotes, wolves, bears, cougars, bobcats and raccoons. In 2019, a coalition led by non-governmental organizations called on the BC government to end wildlife killing contests, resulting in media backlash and public outcry against these contests. Unfortunately, in absence of the provincial government taking concrete actions to prohibit wildlife killing contests, they have merely been driven underground and out of the public eye.

Kelly Butler, the wildlife campaign manager for Humane Society International/Canada, stated: “The science is clear, wildlife killing contests have no place in wildlife management. These contests exploit misunderstanding and fear surrounding species like wolves and coyotes and are a transparent means to kill animals for fun. We are calling on the government to take action to protect BC’s wildlife and join the growing number of jurisdictions that are prohibiting these cruel contests.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of UBCIC, stated: “Killing contests betray the general public into thinking that a problem is being solved, but the problem is not on the wildlife management, the real problem is the degradation of land, forests and waterways. Animals balance themselves in the proper conditions, and human intervention and industry has not allowed for that to occur. Instead, we blame one animal when the real ‘animal’ is us.”

Robert Bateman, Order of Canada, Order of British Columbia, renowned artist and naturalist, stated: “I am shocked that BC continues to allow wildlife killing contests. These cruel and unscientific events encourage and normalize needless animal suffering, and do not represent the values held by the overwhelming majority of British Columbians. Killing of superior members of a species degrades the gene pool.”

The concern relating to these contests extends beyond conservationists and environmentalists; several eco-tourism operators signed on to the open letter as well.

Eric Boyum, owner/operator of Ocean Adventures Charter Co., stated: “While the BC Ministry of Tourism’s partner Destination BC uses slogans like ‘BC, Where Nature is Nurtured’, nothing could be further from the truth. Allowing wildlife killing contests demonstrates a very real lack of care for sentient animals that are not only vital to the biodiversity of their ecosystems, but also vital to the image and integrity of tourism in BC. The cruelty exhibited by those that kill these beautiful animals for kicks, is something we should all be deeply concerned about and that we should all be committed to ending.”

Across the United States, a growing number of states are outlawing wildlife killing contests in order to protect wildlife and uphold the values of their citizens. Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Vermont and Washington have now outlawed killing contests for coyotes, foxes, bobcats and other species, and several other states are considering similar action. In Canada, only Ontario has an applicable law prohibiting hunting for “gain or the expectation of gain.”

The open letter calls on the Ministry of Forests to prohibit wildlife killing contests and is signed by:

  • Adventuress Sea Kayaking
  • Animal Alliance of Canada
  • Animal Justice
  • Animal Protection Party of Canada
  • Animals Asia Foundation
  • BC Nature
  • BC SPCA
  • Bears Matter
  • Clayoquot Action
  • Coyote Watch Canada
  • Eastern Coyote/Coywolf Research
  • EXPOSED Wildlife Conservancy
  • Hope Mountain Black Bear Committee
  • Humane Society International/Canada
  • International Animal Rescue
  • John E. Marriott (Wildlife Photographer)
  • National Wolfwatcher Coalition
  • North Shore Black Bear Society
  • Ocean Adventures Charter Co.,
  • Ocean Light Adventures
  • Pacific Wild Alliance
  • Project Coyote
  • Robert Bateman (Artist)
  • Sierra Club BC
  • Spirit Bear Lodge
  • Susan Musgrave (Poet)
  • Takaya Legacy Project
  • The Fur-Bearers
  • The Kerulos Center for Nonviolence
  • The Union of BC Indian Chiefs
  • Tourists Against Trophy Hunting
  • Vancouver Humane Society
  • Wilderness Committee
  • Wolf Awareness
  • Zoocheck Inc.
  • Breder Law, Animal Lawyers
  • In Defense of Animals

ENDS

Media Contact: Kelly Butler, wildlife campaign manager: 438-882-7238; kbutler@hsi.org

Minister Francesco Lollobrigida urged to resolve the fate of thousands of minks left in legal limbo

Humane Society International / Europe

Kristo Murrimaa, Oikeutta Elaimille

GALEATA, Italy—The World Organisation for Animal Health has announced Italy’s third outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 on a mink fur farm, located in the municipality of Galeata (FC). The farm has been closed since Italy’s national fur farming ban came into force on 1 January this year, with 1,523 minks remaining caged on the premises.

Italy’s permanent fur farming ban was approved in December 2021 as an amendment to the Budget Law 2022, and according to Italian production data, it prevented the exploitation of at least 60,000 mink per year. A ministerial decree that has been due to be issued since 31 January, should have seen the remaining closed fur farms cleared of mink, including rehoming as many animals as possible in suitable sanctuaries. However, the decree titled “Criteria and procedures for the payment of compensation to the owners of mink, fox, raccoon dog, chinchilla and any other kind of animal breeding farms for the purpose of obtaining fur, as well as the discipline of transfers and possession of these animals” has not yet been issued despite being created by the Minister of Agriculture and in agreement with the Ministers of Health and Ecological Transition. Animal protection groups Essere Animali, Humane Society international/Europe and LAV appeal to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Safety Francesco Lollobrigida. Fur farming and trade throughout the European Union must be banned, a claim supported by the European Citizens’ Initiative #FurFreeEurope.UPDATE Dec. 7, 2022: The European Commission confirmed that the remaining 1,522 mink on the farm were “culled and destroyed”.

“Since January, we have been waiting for the inter-ministerial decree to start emptying the last five fur farms where more than 5,000 minksare still housed and crammed into tiny cages and now risk being killed. It is clear that the inaction of the competent ministries is continuing to pose a risk to public health and continues to ignore the most basic principles of animal welfare. We ask the Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, to intervene urgently to implement the provisions of the 2022 Budget Law and thus allow the transfer of at least some of the mink still locked up in the cages of intensive fur farms,” state Essere Animali, Humane Society international/Europe and LAV.

In Italy, two outbreaks of coronavirus have already occurred in mink farms: the first in August 2020 in Capralba (Cremona) and the second in January 2021 in Villa del Conte (Padua). In November this year, as part of the compulsory diagnostic screening aimed at intercepting the possible introduction of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in mink farms as ordered by former Health Minister Roberto Speranza in December 2020, two minks were found to be positive for coronavirus infection in a third farm, in Galeata (FC). The screening consisted of 60 swabs every 15 days on each farm. On 24 November, the World Organisation for Animal Health reported that the animals were swabbed (real-time PCR) for clinical signs compatible with infection. Although one mink is reported to have died, it is not clear whether the remaining animals on the farm have been culled or whether more have since died from the infection.

The farm in question is located in the municipality of Galeata (FC) and, together with the other farms in Ravenna—fraction of San Marco (640 mink), Capergnanica (Cremona, 1,180 mink), Calvagese della Rivera (Brescia, 1,800 mink), and Castel di Sangro (L’Aquila, 18 mink) —it is one of the last facilities in Italy where thousands of breeding mink are still locked up in cages.

These animals would ordinarily have been used to start a new production cycle in 2021. However, the temporary fur farming ban ordered by the then Minister of Health as an anti-Covid measure in recognition of fur farms as potential reservoirs of the coronavirus, and the subsequent permanent ban on farming animals for fur has left the animals in a sort of limbo for more than 10 months. They could not be killed for commercial fur trade purposes nor for public health needs in the absence of a confirmed coronavirus infection, but could not be released into the wild, since they are non-native predators and potential reservoirs of the pandemic virus.

According to the provisions of the law, the Minister of Agriculture should have regulated by decree the system of compensation for mink farmers and the possible transfer of animals to facilities managed directly or in collaboration with animal welfare associations. If the decree had been adopted in time on 31 January, at least some of the mink present on the mink farms that were being decommissioned would probably have been able to be relocated to other facilities such as sanctuaries. This would have helped reduce the population density and, consequently, the concentration of animals particularly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection.

This grave delay in managing over 5,000 minks remaining on now closed fur farms, is a significant animal welfare problem. These minks have been confined in the same cages of just a few square centimetres for at least two years but possibly as much as three to four years, because they qualify as “breeding” animals. In addition, it also puts public health at risk. The human-mink-human spillover chain has been well documented since the first cases were reported in the Netherlands in May 2020.

Essere Animali, Humane Society international/Europe and LAV conclude: “To avoid the risk of new coronavirus outbreaks on European mink farms and to spare the lives of millions of animals exploited solely for the value of their fur, we urge those who have not yet done so to sign the European Citizens’ Initiative petition ‘Fur Free Europe,’ which calls on the European Commission to ban fur farming and trade EU-wide. By May 2023 we have to reach one million signatures throughout the EU. To date, more than 600,000 EU citizens have already given their consent.”

ENDS

Facts on coronavirus outbreaks in Italian mink farms:

  • The first outbreak occurred at Capralba (Cremona).With more than 26,000 mink, the Capralba farm was the largest mink farm in Italy. In August 2020, a mink worker tested positive for coronavirus. Diagnostic tests followed on the animals (but not a diagnostic screening in all the farms which was the most reasonable option) revealing a number of animals testing positive for coronavirus. All mink were then slaughtered in December 2020, after further confirmation of infection with serological tests.
  • The second outbreak occurred at Villa del Conte (Padua). In the absence of compulsory screening (despite the outbreak detected in August in Capralba) all Italian mink farms were able to complete their production cycle and commercialize the minks’ fur. In 2020, Villa del Conte breeding was also able to obtain fur from over 10,000 minks present at the time and put them on the commercial circuit. Only in January 2021, with the start of compulsory screening, did it become apparent that those furs had been obtained from coronavirus-positive animals and were potentially a further vector for the spread of the virus. The approximately 3,000 “breeding” minks who remained on the farm after 2021 and tested positive, including in serological tests, were slaughtered on Dec. 14, 2021.
  • The third outbreak occurred at Galeata (FC). The outbreak was suspected on Nov. 9, 2022, with tests conducted on Nov. 14, 2022. The tests identified two coronavirus cases. The European Commission confirmed that the remaining 1,522 mink on the farm were “culled and destroyed”.
  • Further mink mismanagement occurred at Castel di Sangro (AQ) in August 2021, with the death of mink due to food poisoning. Exactly 1,035 minks died a sudden and extremely painful death due to food poisoning. According to investigations conducted by the health authorities, the animals were fed damaged or contaminated chicken meat. Less than 20 minks remained on the farm.

Media contact: Martina Pluda, HSI in Italy’s country director: mpluda@hsi.org; 3714120885

Updated on Dec. 13, 2022

HSI/Europe delivers 48,226 signatures calling for EU action against hunting trophy imports

Humane Society International / Europe

Hélène Terlinden, BOLDT

BRUSSELS—Yesterday, Humane Society International/Europe handed a petition signed by nearly 50,000 citizens from all over the world to the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions, urging the EU to take action against the trade in hunting trophies. The petition offers concrete interim policy recommendations to strengthen existing EU rules regarding the import and export of hunting trophies.

Iconic species like lions, rhinos and elephants are killed for their parts and shipped to and from the EU, earning the EU the sad title of the second-largest importer of animal trophies in the world. It makes the European Parliament well placed to address the repeated failure of the EU to properly implement existing regulatory protections.

Dr Joanna Swabe, senior director of public affairs for Humane Society International/Europe, said:

“We greatly appreciated the chance to be able to use our speaking time in the Committee on Petitions to counter the European Commission’s contentious and hackneyed claims—in response to our petition—that ‘well-regulated’ trophy hunting has benefits for both wildlife conservation and the livelihoods of local communities. It is unfortunate that they have swallowed the Kool-Aid predictably served up by apologists for trophy hunting, rather than evaluating the mounting evidence that killing threatened and endangered species for sport is harmful to species’ conservation and can actually contribute to increasing wealth inequalities, rather than benefiting all members of local communities. We are disappointed that even the recently adopted revised EU Action Plan on Wildlife Trafficking also listed ‘well-managed trophy hunting’ as a form of sustainable form of income. We strongly contest this characterisation.”

While critical of this attitude, HSI/Europe still welcomes the recent commitment in the revised EU Action Plan on Wildlife Trafficking to apply greater scrutiny to imports of hunting trophies and be more transparent about decision-making concerning country-species combinations. The action plan also states that the Commission will consider extending the EU legal requirement for hunting trophies to be accompanied by import permits for more species. Such import permits provide the EU with important oversight over the imports’ compliance with regional and international laws that aim to protect species from overexploitation through trade. At present, the EU requirement for an import permit for hunting trophies only applies to species in Annex A of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation and six additional species listed in Annex B: the African elephant, common hippopotamus, African lion, southern white rhinoceros, polar bear and Argali sheep.

While HSI/Europe welcomes this change as an interim step, the ultimate goal for the EU is to work quickly to restrict all hunting trophy imports of regulated species. It is a vital step to curb the demand for imperilled species’ parts and products, as well as for protecting animals like giraffes, polar bears and cougars from the compounding, extensive consequences of this cruel practice.

Last month, in its Resolution on the EU’s strategic objectives for the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species COP19, the European Parliament urged the Commission and the Member States to “take immediate effective action in the framework of its commitments outlined in the EU biodiversity strategy to ban the import of hunting trophies derived from CITES-listed species.”

HSI/Europe’s petition to the European Parliament—as well as recent public opinion polls and our various submissions to Commission stakeholder consultations—highlights not only the urgent welfare, conservation and biological needs for these additional trade protections, but also the general public’s desire for the EU government to take immediate action to ban hunting trophy imports in line with a precautionary approach to species protection.

FACTS

  • Petition No 0976/2021 on the necessity for EU action with regard to trophy hunting was submitted to the European Parliament in September 2021.
  • The EU is the second-largest importer of animal trophies in the world, according to HSI/Europe’s report Trophy Hunting by the Numbers. Between 2016 and 2018, the EU was the largest importer of lion trophies globally. Trophies from at least 15,000 internationally protected mammals from 73 CITES-listed species were legally imported to the EU between 2014 and 2018, with a nearly 40% increase in trophy imports to the EU during this period.
  • Legally obtained hunting trophies of the species listed under Annex A and six species under Annex B of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation can only be imported into the EU after a Member State has issued an import permit and verified that such imports have been legally acquired and will not be detrimental to the conservation of the species. There is no transparent process for the issuance of such permits and non-detriment findings. Hunting trophies of all other species are exempted from this rule.
  • As outlined in a recent report calling for a revision of the trophy hunting regime in the European Union, there is a long history of a lack of proper regulation and oversight when it comes to trade in hunting trophies. Even where trophy hunting is legal and follows management guidelines, there is evidence of population declines, indirect negative effects on populations, biologically unsustainable quotas, offtake of restricted individuals like breeding females and cubs, poor population estimates and monitoring, quotas assigned at the incorrect spatial scale, significant animal welfare concerns and a lack of transparency in data and policy and management decisions. A comprehensive ban on the import of hunting trophies of regulated species is a necessary precautionary approach to protect imperilled species.
  • Various studies have found that trophy hunting does not provide meaningful employment opportunities or revenues for the majority of community members and can instead contribute to wealth inequalities. Community-based natural resource management approaches should not make the poor poorer and the rich richer and should instead focus on more ethical, sustainable and lucrative industry alternatives to trophy hunting.

ENDS

Media contact: Adeline Fischer, communications senior manager: afischer@hsi.org ; +49 17631063219

The state government, in an effort to institutionalize snake rescue, takes a progressive step in recognizing, regulating and humanely managing the growing instances of human-snake conflict.

Humane Society International / India

HSI/India

KARNATAKA, India—In a move that will standardize and certify humane and responsible snake rescue in the state, the Karnataka Forest Department on Monday published an operational manual for certified snake rescuers. The guidelines titled “Effective Human-Snake Conflict Management and Mitigation: An Operation Manual for Certified Snake Rescuers” were released by Smt. Madhu Sharma IFS and Shri Vijaykumar Gogi IFS, and were authored by eminent herpetologists Shri. Romulus Whitaker, Padma Shri award-recipient, as well as The Liana Trust’s Gerard Martin and Sumanth Bindumadhav from Humane Society International/India, which runs a snakebite mitigation and awareness program. The authors also consulted with snake rescuers from across the state.

India is the snakebite capital of the world with more than one million snakebites a year, and has more instances of human conflict with snakes than with any other species including tigers, leopards, elephants and bears combined. Every day across the country, hundreds of thousands of individuals and families encounter snakes in their day-to-day lives, with farmers being particularly at risk as they work often barefoot in the fields.

Karnataka, like other states in India, is home to several hundred passionate individuals who care about snake protection and provide responsible rescue services to mitigate this issue. Unfortunately, not everyone who presents themselves as a rescuer follows such ethical codes of conduct, and it can be easy for desperate families facing snake conflict to be exploited either for monetary gain or to increase the rescuer’s following on social media platforms.

Speaking on the launch of these guidelines, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Shri. Vijaykumar Gogi I.F.S., said: “These guidelines and certification programs to follow are the need of the hour in the state. Recognizing the need for this, we have invited eminent herpetologists such as Padma Shri awardee Shri. Romulus Whitaker, herpetologists Gerard Martin and Sumanth Bindumadhav to produce these guidelines after conducting the required consultation with various other snake rescuers in the state as well. We will soon launch this program systematically with the aim of recognizing, validating and certifying all well-intentioned rescuers in the state and set an example for other states to follow.”

Sumanth Bindumadhav, senior manager of wildlife and disaster response at Humane Society International/India, and one of the manual authors, said: “It is a welcome move by the state not only to recognize but also empower rescuers with the correct knowledge and skills for responsible, ethical snake conflict management. Through this process, rescuers will come to identify that the best rescue solution for people and snakes is to facilitate amicable coexistence between communities and the snakes around them. Several years of research have shown us that removal or relocation of snakes only increases conflict and does not solve the problem. We are excited to be a part of this vital program and build further on this strong foundation laid today.”

Through the guidelines, the department has reiterated the need to identify, train and certify genuine snake rescuers across the state, to empower them further and curb any illegal activities that stem from unorganized snake rescue. These comprehensive guidelines cover all topics from snake biology to step-by-step instructions on humanely rescuing a snake from a conflict situation, knowledge the department recognizes every responsible rescuer should have.

“Human-snake conflict has a much higher cost to life and limb than all other human-wildlife conflict in India combined. However, it is one that can be solved with large scale education and the introduction of effective practices. Snake rescuers have the potential to be catalysts for this change. This manual is the first step in the Karnataka Forest Department’s efforts to bring about positive and effective change in this field.” says Gerard Martin, founder trustee at The Liana Trust and the co-author of the guidelines.

ENDS

Media contact:  Shaili Shah, media relations specialist at HSI/India: sshah@hsi.org ; 993-059-1005,

158 glass frog species and 95 species of sharks and guitarfishes receive new protection; international trade in hippo parts for commercial purposes will continue

Humane Society International / Global

Glass frog
GCF Collection/Alamy

PANAMA—The 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora—known as CITES—is concluding today. Delegates from the 184 member countries considered 42 proposals to increase or decrease protections for 356 species of wild animals during the past two weeks in Panama.

345 wild animal species will now have new or increased protection from international trade. Sharks, guitarfish rays, stingrays, glass frogs, lizards, turtles and birds are among the animals who benefitted from the meeting. The Parties also agreed to reduce by 610 the number of leopard hunting trophies and skins for personal use that can be exported from a list of African parties. At the request of Kenya, Malawi and Ethiopia, Ethiopia’s annual export quota for leopards was slashed from 500 to 20 and Kenya and Malawi were entirely removed from leopard export quota allocations. In addition, the participating nations refused to adopt dangerous proposals that would have opened international trade in horns of southern white rhino and African elephant ivory.

Of the greatest disappointments is the failure of the Parties to increase protection of hippos by ending the legal international trade in hippo parts, mainly their ivory teeth, for commercial purposes. The European Union, which cast its 27 votes against the proposal, ignored the pleas of hippo range nations for help and left open this avenue actively used by wildlife traffickers.

“Ninety-five species of sharks and guitarfishes received new protection on CITES Appendix II,” said Rebecca Regnery, senior director for wildlife at Humane Society International. “These species are threatened by the unsustainable and unregulated fisheries that supply the international trade in their meat and fins, which has driven extensive population declines. With Appendix II listing, CITES Parties can allow trade only if it is not detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild, giving these species help they need to recover from over-exploitation.”

“Glass frogs received new protection on CITES Appendix II,” said Grettel Delgadillo, deputy director for Humane Society International/Latin America. “Glass frogs will finally receive the protection they badly need, in face of the horrific, increasing and often illegal international pet trade. It was crucial that all 158 species of glass frogs were included in Appendix II since it is difficult to distinguish the species of glass frogs in trade. The listing will keep these highly sought-after and threatened frogs safe from the international wildlife trade.”

“At the request of Kenya, Malawi and Ethiopia, the parties agreed to significantly reduce, by 610 leopards per year, those countries’ quotas for exports of leopard hunting trophies and skins for personal use, eliminating Kenya and Malawi’s quotas altogether,” said Sarah Veatch, director of wildlife policy at Humane Society International. “This is significant because leopard populations have declined 30% over the last three generations in sub-Saharan Africa—contrary to consistent overestimations by many pro-hunting range countries—and we are missing adequate data to truly understand the extent of the leopard’s plight. Excessive trophy hunting quotas based on foreign hunting interests—not science—are adding dangerous pressure on leopards who are also threatened by habitat loss and other factors. While we applaud this step taken at CITES this week to protect these iconic animals, Parties still have more work to do in zeroing out leopard export quotas for all countries if we are to protect this beautiful species from disappearing.”

“We are severely disappointed that the parties did not adopt a proposal to halt the tragic, legal international trade in hippo ivory and other parts for commercial purposes,” said Sophie Nazeri, program coordinator of wildlife for Humane Society International. “The common hippopotamus is threatened by poaching for their ivory teeth which are laundered into the legal hippo ivory trade. Unfortunately, the parties, especially the European Union which cast its 27 votes against the proposal, ignored the pleas of hippo range states for help and have left open this dangerous, cruel avenue used by wildlife traffickers. Humane Society International will continue to fight for the protection of this incredible species.”

CITES members increased or provided new protection for:

  • 95 shark species, including 54 species of requiem sharks, the bonnethead shark, three species of hammerhead shark and 37 species of guitarfishes, traded internationally for their fins and meat.
  • Seven species of freshwater stingrays and the zebra pleco traded internationally in the aquarium fish trade.
  • 160 amphibian species including 158 species of glass frogs, the lemur leaf frog and the Laos warty newt, traded internationally as exotic pets.
  • 52 turtle species including the Amazon matamata turtle, the Orinoco matamata turtle, the alligator snapping turtle, common snapping turtle, five species of broad-headed map turtles, the red-crowned roof turtle, the Indochinese box turtle, nine species of neotropical wood turtles, the narrow-bridged musk turtle, 19 species of mud turtles, the Mexican musk turtle, the giant musk turtle, six other species of musk turtles, three species of American softshell turtles and Leith’s softshell turtle, traded internationally as exotic pets and for their meat and other body parts for human consumption.
  • Two bird species, the white-rumped shama and the straw-headed bulbul, traded internationally for the songbird trade.
  • Three species of sea cucumbers, traded internationally for human consumption.
  • 25 lizard species including the Chinese water dragon, the Jeypore hill gecko, the helmethead gecko, 21 species of horned lizards and the pygmy bluetongue lizard, traded internationally as exotic pets.

Hippo parts images available for download:

 ENDS

Media contact: Rodi Rosensweig: 202-809-8711 (U.S.); rrosensweig@humanesociety.org

HSI/Europe expresses concern about tactics to try to downgrade protections for large carnivores

Humane Society International / Europe

HSI

BRUSSELS—Following a concerted campaign by lobby interests seeking to decrease EU legal protections for large carnivores, the European Parliament has adopted a Resolution on the issue of the protection of livestock farming and large carnivores in Europe at its Plenary session in Strasbourg, proposing significant downgrade to the protection of the latter.

Dr Joanna Swabe, senior director of public affairs for Humane Society International/Europe, says.

“It is deeply depressing that the European Parliament has bowed to the pressure of the animal agriculture and hunting lobby and adopted a Resolution that calls for legal protections for large carnivores, like wolves and bears, to be downgraded. The slight recovery of large carnivore populations does not provide sufficient reason to downgrade legal protections for these species, especially when the EU Habitats Directive includes derogations for management control of species under exceptional circumstances.”

For many months a handful of MEPs, promoting agricultural and hunting interests, have been pushing to get wolves on the political agenda, leading to an internecine struggle between Parliamentary committees on the issue of competence. It has been a fight between those more concerned with protecting human economic interests and those who recognise the importance of preserving native biodiversity. MEPs from groups supporting a balanced joint Motion for a Resolution broke ranks and voted to weaken the text.

HSI/Europe points out that the European Commission has remained steadfast in its position with regard to upholding legal protections for large carnivores and not re-opening the EU Habitats Directive’s Annexes to allow more wolves and bears to be killed. Together with other animal and environmental protection NGOs, HSI/Europe has opposed a Parliamentary Resolution on the issue. Hundreds of wolves are already killed each year in the EU, using the existing exemptions in the Habitats Directive, indicating that there is already considerable flexibility in the implementation of EU legislation. The European Commission has been unequivocal in its position that the EU Habitats Directive is fit for purpose.

Swabe continues:

“The whole Resolution can be regarded as simply an attempt to mollify lobby interest and be seen to do something about wolves. We believe that rather than continually trying to milk this ram, MEPs would be better off accepting that people must learn to coexist with wolves and other large carnivores. They should be rigorously pursuing mitigation strategies to achieve greater coexistence with these animals, who play a vital role in increasing biodiversity, and implementing measures to promptly compensate farmers for their losses when predator attacks sadly do occur. Vilifying wolves and other large carnivores is not helpful; finding better ways to co-exist with them more peaceably is.”

While the current Commission under leadership of Ursula von der Leyen has been consistent in maintaining protections for large carnivores, a new Commission will be installed at the end of 2024. The question is whether a new leadership will maintain the same strong position on protecting biodiversity and the protection of native species, or bow to the pressure of the agricultural lobby.

Facts

  • Wolves are listed in the Annexes of the EU Habitats Directive as either a strictly protected or protected species, depending on the population in question. Hunting permits to kill them can only be granted under exceptional circumstances.
  • The Habitats Directive authorises Member States may use derogations to allow management control provided there is “no satisfactory alternative and the derogation is not harmful to the maintenance of the populations of the species concerned.” These exceptions are meant to stop “serious damage” to livestock and crops, protect the public’s health and safety or for research and education.
  • The Commission recently published a detailed Guidance Document to provide clarification to Member States on how this derogation can be applied.
  • The EU’s LIFE programme has already funded numerous projects to help effectively mitigate human-large carnivore conflicts.
  • State Aid provisions compensate farmers with 100% financial remuneration for losses suffered and costs incurred by predator attacks, but also offer 100% reimbursement for the mitigation measures implemented. The primary issue is that farmers are not always aware of their entitlement to such funds, and Member States are slow in compensating them for their losses.

ENDS

Media contact: Yavor Gechev, Humane Society International/Europe: ygechev@hsi.org; +359889468098

Dr. Khan and HSI/UK team up for new short documentary on why a UK hunting trophy import ban is crucial, ahead of key political debate

Humane Society International / United Kingdom

HSI

LONDON—Animal advocate and much-loved TV regular Dr. Amir Khan has joined with animal protection organisation Humane Society International/UK to front a short film exposing the cruelty of the trophy hunting industry. In the film, Khan explains why the UK’s proposed ban on hunting trophy imports—due to be debated by MPs in Parliament next Friday, 25 November—is a vital step towards protecting threatened and endangered species. Alongside Dr. Khan, some of Africa’s most prominent wildlife advocates also speak out in HSI/UK’s film, namely Josphat Ngonyo, executive director of the Africa Network for Animal Welfare, and Lenin Tinashe Chisaira, founder of Advocates4Earth, a Zimbabwe-based environmental organisation.

Around the world, tens of thousands of animals every year are killed by hunters who pay thousands of dollars purely to kill for their own pleasure, often taking photos alongside the dead bodies of the animals they’ve shot and then cutting off their body parts to bring home as souvenirs. In recent years, UK hunters have imported trophies from some of the world’s rarest species, including polar bears, rhinos, African elephants and leopards. A 2021 YouGov poll showed that the overwhelming majority— 82% —of the British public supports a ban on the import of hunting trophies, and the issue is set to be debated in the House of Commons on 25 November during the Second Reading of Henry Smith MP’s Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill.

Arthur Thomas, public affairs manager at Humane Society International/UK, said: “Dr. Khan’s film with HSI/UK debunks the trophy hunting industry’s absurd claim that it means to protect the very animals it delights in killing, and shines a light on the corruption, greed and self-interest that really drive this cruel and archaic practice. Rather than aiding conservation, trophy hunting threatens endangered species; rather than alleviating poverty, it reinforces colonial power imbalances; and rather than protecting habitats, it cherry picks the most valuable species and leaves areas abandoned when they are no longer profitable. With Parliament about to debate this vital Bill, we hope that Dr. Khan’s film will help MPs see through the trophy hunting industry’s spin, and ensure that people who kill wild animals for kicks can no longer bring their grotesque souvenirs back to Britain.”

Since trophy hunting rose to prominence in the colonial era, there have been catastrophic declines in populations of some of the world’s most iconic species, including elephants, lions, rhinos and giraffes. Many of these species are under increasing pressure from human-induced mortalities, including from loss of habitat, climate breakdown, poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.

Dr. Amir Khan said: “Like the majority of the British public, I find the concept of trophy hunting—the killing of animals for fun, especially species which are rare or endangered—disgusting. Seeing images of hunters posing with an animal they have just killed makes my blood boil. We cannot continue to support an industry that profits from the death of rare animals and exploits the natural world for short-term gain. That’s why HSI/UK and I are calling on the UK Government to ban the import of hunting trophies and end its involvement in this outdated practice.”

Countless scientific studies over the years have evidenced that trophy hunting damages conservation efforts and fails to provide meaningful support to local communities living alongside the targeted animals, debunking claims often made by the industry in attempts to greenwash its unfavourable image.

Africa Network for Animal Welfare’s executive director, Josphat Ngonyo, is featured in the video, stating: “I personally come from a community that has lived in a conservation area. Communities have come out very strongly everywhere to say no, [trophy hunting] doesn’t help.”

Speaking about HSI/UK’s campaign to ban hunting trophies from being imported into the UK, Advocates4Earth founder Lenin Tinashe Chisaira is seen in the video saying: “As an environmentalist based in the Global South, I really urge the government not to support trophy hunting.”

Humane Society International/UK is sharing the video with MPs, and urging people to contact their MP to ask them to attend the debate on 25th and speak in strong support of the ban.

Watch the video.

ENDS

Media contact: Sally Ivens, senior specialist in media and communications for HSI/UK: sivens@hsi.org; (+44) 7590 559299

HSl/Europe welcomes the European Commission’s adoption of the revised EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking

Humane Society International / Europe

HSI

BRUSSELS— The European Commission today adopted the revised EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking, a few days before the 19th Conference of the Parties for CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) kicks off in Panama. The new Action Plan recognises the role played by the EU in wildlife trafficking as an important destination market and a transit hub for the unsustainable legal and illegal wildlife trade; the latter is believed to have generated at least EUR 4.7 million in 2019.

The revised EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking includes many laudable commitments to prevent the scourge of wildlife trafficking and address its root causes, as well as to bolster the EU’s legal and policy framework, improve enforcement and strengthen global partnerships to combat the the illegal trade in source, consumer and transit countries. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the report notably includes a consideration of the risk of zoonotic disease transmission via the wildlife trade and the need to follow a “One Health” approach in its regulation.

Dr Joanna Swabe, senior director of public affairs at Humane Society International/Europe, says:

“It is fantastic to see that the European Commission is taking concrete policy action to address civil society’s concerns about the EU’s failures to comprehensively tackle both the legal and illegal trade in wildlife. We are delighted that the Action Plan includes a commitment to looking at the development of new tools to tackle the issue of ‘stolen wildlife.’ For many years, we have been calling on the Commission to close the loopholes in the existing legislation by criminalising the trade in illegally sourced wildlife for the exotic pet trade, which is decimating imperiled species, particularly reptiles and amphibians, such as glass frogs, in other parts of the globe.”

She adds: “We also welcome that the Commission intends to apply greater scrutiny to imports of hunting trophies and be more transparent about decision-making concerning country-species combinations for trophy imports. While a comprehensive ban on trophy hunting imports would certainly have been preferable, the very least that the EU can do is to ensure that import permits are required for all trophies from threatened and endangered species.”

The Commission is also seeking to strengthen the engagement of local communities in the management and conservation of wildlife to support the development of sustainable livelihoods in source countries. Regrettably, it misguidedly lists “well-managed trophy hunting” as a form of sustainable income.

Dr. Swabe clarifies: “The claim that trophy hunting is well-managed is highly contentious. There is a long history of a lack of proper regulation of oversight when it comes to trophy hunting. Even where trophy hunting is legal and follows management guidelines, there is evidence of population declines, indirect negative effects on populations, biologically unsustainable quotas, offtake of restricted individuals like breeding females and cubs, poor population estimates and monitoring, quotas assigned at the incorrect spatial scale, and a lack of transparency. The regulations are insufficient in ensuring populations are not negatively impacted. Studies also find that trophy hunting does not provide meaningful employment opportunities or revenues for the majority of community members, and can instead contribute to wealth inequalities. Community-based natural resource management approaches should not make the poor poorer and the rich richer.”

The EU is well-placed to demonstrate global leadership in the fight against wildlife trafficking by ensuring strict regulation of wildlife trade and their effective enforcement. The question is whether the EU will live up to this leadership role in the upcoming CITES meeting (which begins on November 15), given its failure thus far to support the hippo, glass frogs and other proposals.

FACTS:

  • HSI/Europe’s feedback on the roadmap for the revision of the action plan, which outlines HSI/Europe’s position on the import of hunting trophies and the need to close the loopholes in the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations, can be found here.
  • The EU is the second-largest importer of animal trophies in the world, according to HSI/Europe’s report. Since 2016, the EU is the largest importer of lion trophies globally. Trophies from at least 15,000 internationally protected mammals from 73 CITES-listed species have been legally imported to the EU during the period 2014-2018 and there has been an increase of nearly 40% of trophy imports during this period.
  • At present, the EU legal requirement for hunting trophies to be accompanied by import permits relates only to species in Annex A of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation and six additional species listed in Annex B, namely the African elephant, common hippopotamus, African lion, southern white rhinoceros, polar bear and Argali sheep.
  • Legally obtained hunting trophies of the species covered by these rules can only be imported into the EU after a Member State has issued an import permit and verified that such imports have been legally acquired and will not be detrimental to the conservation of the species. There is no transparent process for the issuance of such permits and non-detriment findings. Hunting trophies of all other species are exempted from this rule.
  • With respect to the need to close the loopholes in the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations, the CITES does not cover all illegal wildlife trade. Many threatened species are protected from exploitation in their home countries but are not protected from being traded, either through domestic legislation or by CITES, and such domestic protections are often poorly enforced. In addition, many demand-focused countries have no protections for non-native species. As a result, wildlife traffickers are able to easily smuggle these animals into legal (or illegal) international trade flows, and once out of their countries of origin, little can be done to stop the trade in these species.
  • Many demand-focused countries have no protections for non-native species. As a result, wildlife traffickers can easily smuggle these animals into legal—or illegal—international trade flows, and once out of their countries of origin, little can be done to stop the trade in these species. HSI/Europe is urging the EU to adopt supplementary legislation prohibiting the importation, transshipment, purchase and sale of wildlife taken illegally in the country of origin.

ENDS

Media contact: Yavor Gechev, Humane Society International/Europe: ygechev@hsi.org; +359889468098

Humane Society International / Europe

Trophy Hunting by the Numbers: The European Union’s role in global trophy hunting Import and Export of CITES listed species between 2014 and 2018
https://www.hsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Trophy-hunting-numbers-eu-report.pdf

Summary from Trophy Hunting by the Numbers report
https://www.hsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Summary_EU-Trophy-Hunting-by-Numbers-report-2.pdf

Overview translations Trophy Hunting by Numbers report
https://www.hsi.org/news-media/report-trophy-hunting-numbers-eu/

Factsheets about commonly hunted species (African leopard, African lion, Black rhino, European brown bear, European grey wolf, Giraffe
https://www.hsi.org/news-media/species-factsheets/

Poll in 2021 in five European countries (France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain)
https://www.hsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/eu-trophy-hunting-poll.pdf

Joint position paper 160+NGOs
https://www.hsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Joint-NGO-position-on-trophy-hunting_final-Logos.pdf

For a revision of the trophy hunting regime in the European Union (Coalition report)
https://www.hsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/trophy-hunting-revision-report.pdf

Summary from Coalition report
https://www.hsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/trophy-hunting-revision-report-summary.pdf

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