As Belgium moves closer to a trophy hunting import ban, will the rest of the EU follow suit?
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Belgium has approved a legislative proposal to ban trophy hunting imports.
The Federal government’s draft bill follows a unanimous vote last year to stop issuing permits for trophied animals being brought into the country.
A resolution put forward by MP Kris Verduyckt, offered protection for a slew of animals threatened by hunters. These include lions, polar bears, and the Southern White Rhinoceros.
Protecting endangered species
“I’m glad that this hard work is paying off,” Verduyckt said.
“Minister Khattabi is now fully translating my proposal into a bill and the entire Council of Ministers approves it.
“It’s time we really started protecting endangered species. Trophy hunters prefer to kill the largest and strongest animals, the loss of which contributes to the disruption and decline of animal populations.”
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This resolution protects species such as the hippopotamus, Southern white rhinoceros, African savannah elephant, lion, polar bear and argali sheep killed for sport. Photo © Photobookroom via Adobe Stock
‘Belgium is leading the way’
Animal welfare charity Humane Society International (HSI) says it has been working with MPs for the last 16 months, to ensure the resolution of Parliament was translated into legislation .
“Belgium is leading the way for other countries in Europe,” said Ruud Tombrock, executive director for HSI/Europe.
“[It’s] already listening to calls from citizens to consign the import of hunting trophies to history.
“The next step should be an EU-wide ban on the import of hunting trophies from endangered and protected species. [This] reflects the views of citizens across member states in the European Union.”
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Featured image © Andrew Deer via Adobe Stock
