but with the lack of participation from the general public and the animal welfare sector this will not be possible. We as the public and animal welfare community have the right to voice our opinions and opposition to a practise that clearly only benefit a few (normally very rich) individuals and plays no role in the conservation of the African Lion. PAAZAB opposes the reintroduction of captive bred animals to the wild and are seriously concerned about the possible genetic depletion and contamination of the African Lion. Can this then not be classified as a degradation of the environment? The IUCN does not recognise captive bred populations as significant to the survival of a species. Does this mean that removal of a lion from the wild and the placement of such an animal in captivity to boost the captive breeding industry is a crime against the survival of the species?

NEMA instructs that all decisions in regards to environmental policies should be taken in an open and transparent manner and that access to information must be provided in accordance with the law. When will we then be awarded an opportunity to attend the meetings held being closed doors or do they simply hope to pass the laws before the general public and animal welfare get their act together or start asking when public participation is envisaged? The document on National Principles, Norms and Standards for the Sustainable Use of Large Predators in South Africa was put together in various workshops attended only by the role players with promises of eventual participation by animal welfare. It was gazetted without informing the animal welfare sector. Is this policy going to be finalised and declared national policy intentionally without the input of the animal welfare community?

NEMA further awards a private member of the public the right to prosecute in public interest and the protection of the environment. This law also allows protection to whistle blowers (informers). Should the principles of NEMA be tested in a court of law? Maybe the time has come where no alternative will remain for the general public and animal welfare community in South Africa that are opposed to the captive breeding and slaughter of the African lion.