WATCH Disturbing video shows canned hunting still rife in South Africa

A disturbing video showing a male captive-bred lion being shot with a crossbow, before finally being killed by multiple bullets fired by the Professional Hunters (PHs) with a rifle, has been used to promote discounted “canned” hunts in South Africa ahead of the phase out of the industry.

The video will be upsetting for many as a beautiful lion is viewed relaxing beneath a tree at around 7′. What follows is a poor attempt to shoot him with a crossbow, followed by multiple gun shots as the lion charges the humans.

In a statement made in this promotional video, it says “South Africa is getting ready to close this kind of hunting for lions” (stated as if ending this type of hunting is something regretful), alluding to the type of hunts on offer to prospective trophy hunters, says Blood Lions.

Blood Lions says: “This is a major concern, as it indicates a move by the captive breeding industry to kill off as many of their lions as possible before the intended phase out is implemented, with total disregard for welfare and the global call to ban this type of hunting.”

The colloquial term “canned hunting” refers to shooting captive-bred and/or tamed animals released into confined areas, ensuring they have little to no chance of escaping their fate, Blood Lions explains.

It also covers other terms, such as captive hunting, high-fence hunting and ranch hunting, all of which involve lions that are intensively bred in captivity for commercial purposes.

WATCH Lion hunt video used to promote canned lion hunting in South Africa

The hunting client says on YouTube: “My PH saved me from a charging lion while hunting a lion in the Kalahari Desert. Watch a full frontal charge from an old male lion play out in the sands of South Africa’s Kalahari Desert. This is a dangerous game crossbow hunt to remember!” The most disturbing footage begins from around 7′.

Blood Lions says: “It is imperative that a moratorium on canned hunting is put in place to stop such brutal hunts from continuing whilst the final plans to phase out the industry are determined.”

In late April the DA also called for an end to ‘canned’ lion hunting.

Hannah Shameema Winkler MP – DA Member on the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment released a statement saying:

“The Democratic Alliance (DA) has passed a policy resolution against the practice of captive or “canned” lion hunting, the breeding of lions for the intent of canned lion hunting, and the breeding of lions for the sale of their bones and other derivatives. This month the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) released a notice calling for registration of participants who would consider voluntary exit from the Captive Lion Industry. We call on minister Barbara Creecy to act with urgency to fast-track all processes to put an end to the industry.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP

“As we await the phase out of South Africa’s captive lion breeding industry to be implemented, the best way to help is to spread awareness as well as educate yourself and others by visiting our campaigns page https://bloodlions.org/online-campaigns/,” says Blood Lions.