By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
THEY’RE the king of the jungle, but the lions of South Africa are under threat at the hands of a barbaric practice known as ‘canned hunting.’
The process of capturing, breeding and raising animals specifically to be shot by people who pay thousands for the opportunity is a common practice overseas and is threatening to wipe out certain breeds of endangered animals.
Hills resident Donalea Patman is a passionate activist for the eradication of canned hunting, and believes it has no place in Australian society.
Together with MP for La Trobe Jason Wood, Ms Patman is pushing for parliament to condemn the practice by banning the importation into Australia of all animals listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).
Mr Wood said that he was approached by Ms Patman to stop the issue, and was horrified after undertaking his own research.
“I found the footage of what was happening in South Africa to be disturbing, and I knew we needed to do something about it,” he said.
Ms Patman said many Australians were unaware of the full extent of the issue, and may even inadvertently support the cause.
“We see a lot of people travelling to South Africa, working in these orphanages and thinking that they are rescuing the lions.”
In an address to parliament last year, Jason Wood said that Australia had a part to play in protecting Africa’s wildlife.
“To stop canned hunting we must take out the incentive that allows hunt trophies back into Australia,” he said.
“I firmly believe that morally this is the right decision for Australia and we would help in protecting the future of international wildlife.”
On Friday 13 March, a Global March for Lions will be held in various cities around the world, giving the public an opportunity to show their support for eradicating canned hunting.
This year’s march is expected to be the setting for an important announcement regarding the issue. Join Jason Wood and Donalea Patman at the Melbourne march, starting at 6pm at Federation Square. More information about the fight to end canned hunting can be found at www.fortheloveofwildlife.org.au or at www.jasonwood.com.au.
