Canned lion hunting ..continued
2004.06.07. 14:01
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Canned lion hunting ..continued 21
February 2004 11:22:58 AM
NEMA further requires that negative impacts on
the environment and on people's environmental rights be anticipated and
prevented,... |
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.
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