A-listers are urging MPs to bring in a bill that would stop British trophy hunters from bringing home the animals they've killed for fun.
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A slew of celebs including Dame Judi Dench and Ricky Gervais are putting pressure on the UK government to stop the import of trophy animals.
In just over a week, MPs in the House of Commons will vote on a bill nicknamed Sally’s Law.
If passed, British trophy hunters will be banned from bringing home the heads and bodies of animals they have killed purely for their own twisted enjoyment.
The legislation, which will go through its third reading on March 17, has been spearheaded by The Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting and British newspaper The Mirror.
Endorsed by an array of A-List stars and public leaders, the campaign is also pushing for an international treaty to abolish the ‘sport’ completely.
Celebs condemn Trophy Hunting
“There’s no doubting the government’s commitment to the ban. However, having built up expectations, they now need to see it through,” says Dench.
“It’s a policy that has tremendous support around the country. The government is understandably trying to get through a lot of legislation and dealing with the Covid crisis at the same time.
“But it can’t let this ban fall by the wayside. By adopting this bill, the government will be showing its determination to ban animals from being senselessly slaughtered just for a sick souvenir.”
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Dame Judi Dench is among the celebrities putting pressure on the UK government to stop the import of trophy animals. Photo © Mike Marsland via Getty Images
Gervais, who often uses his platform to condemn animal cruelty, described British trophy hunters as the ‘most ruthless of the lot’.
He added: “They joke about having a few beers and shooting monkeys. They laugh about shooting cats out of trees. They brag about luring leopards with bait so they can shoot them at point-blank range.
“They celebrate blasting big holes out of zebras and killing some of the world’s biggest lions, elephants, and rhinos.
“All trophy hunting needs to stop. It’s just as wrong to kill a reindeer for kicks as it is to kill a rhino. We don’t have the right to murder living creatures for entertainment.”
How you can help
Despite huge public support, campaigners are concerned MPs won’t show up to the debate, meaning the bill could fall.
Therefore, members of the public are being urged to contact their local MP and be vocal about their support for Sally’s Law.
You can find out more about the campaign here.
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Featured image credit: John Lamparski via Getty Images
