PETA condemns Namibia's culling plan as ‘cruel and short-sighted’
Warns of long-term consequences
The more than 700 animals to be culled include 300 zebras, 100 eland, 100 blue wildebeest, 83 elephants, 60 buffaloes, 50 impalas and 30 hippos.
As international criticism mounts against Namibia’s decision to cull 723 wild animals to provide game meat for drought relief efforts, the US-based animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has also spoken out against the "cruel proposal".
PETA senior vice president Jason Baker, in a letter to Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, said the organisation and affiliated organisations have over nine million members and supporters globally who are aghast that Namibia is scapegoating wild animals for complex problems that require strategic, long-term solutions.
“The plan is not only cruel but also dangerously short-sighted and will have no long-term impact on these complex problems.”
Reconsider culling plan
The environment ministry recently announced that 262 of the 723 wild animals identified to contribute game meat for drought relief efforts have already been culled, delivering more than 56 000 kg of meat to communities.
The more than 700 animals to be culled include 300 zebras, 100 eland, 100 blue wildebeest, 83 elephants, 60 buffaloes, 50 impalas and 30 hippos.
“We urge Namibia to reconsider these actions, which will not achieve these aims, are regarded around the world as cruel... and to focus instead on more effective long term solutions,” Baker said.
He argued that with nearly half of Namibia’s population reportedly facing hunger, meat from a few hundred animals will not come close to addressing the hunger problem.
“Apparently, trophy hunters are being permitted to shoot some of the animals for a fee. We hope you agree that this time of crisis should not be an occasion for Namibia to entertain such pursuits,” Baker stressed.
Problem not addressed
He added that the supposed benefits of killing several hundred wild animals do not outweigh the negative consequences and that the decision is not based on sound science.
“Rather, the killing of these animals could lead to imbalances and worsen suffering, since every species plays a vital role in ecosystems.”
The ministry, however, stated that culling wildlife will also help manage current grazing pressure and water availability by reducing wildlife numbers in some parks and communal areas where these numbers exceed available resources.
PETA has urged Namibia to collaborate with international organisations to develop strategies that address the underlying issues without resorting to large-scale culling of wildlife.
PETA senior vice president Jason Baker, in a letter to Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, said the organisation and affiliated organisations have over nine million members and supporters globally who are aghast that Namibia is scapegoating wild animals for complex problems that require strategic, long-term solutions.
“The plan is not only cruel but also dangerously short-sighted and will have no long-term impact on these complex problems.”
Reconsider culling plan
The environment ministry recently announced that 262 of the 723 wild animals identified to contribute game meat for drought relief efforts have already been culled, delivering more than 56 000 kg of meat to communities.
The more than 700 animals to be culled include 300 zebras, 100 eland, 100 blue wildebeest, 83 elephants, 60 buffaloes, 50 impalas and 30 hippos.
“We urge Namibia to reconsider these actions, which will not achieve these aims, are regarded around the world as cruel... and to focus instead on more effective long term solutions,” Baker said.
He argued that with nearly half of Namibia’s population reportedly facing hunger, meat from a few hundred animals will not come close to addressing the hunger problem.
“Apparently, trophy hunters are being permitted to shoot some of the animals for a fee. We hope you agree that this time of crisis should not be an occasion for Namibia to entertain such pursuits,” Baker stressed.
Problem not addressed
He added that the supposed benefits of killing several hundred wild animals do not outweigh the negative consequences and that the decision is not based on sound science.
“Rather, the killing of these animals could lead to imbalances and worsen suffering, since every species plays a vital role in ecosystems.”
The ministry, however, stated that culling wildlife will also help manage current grazing pressure and water availability by reducing wildlife numbers in some parks and communal areas where these numbers exceed available resources.
PETA has urged Namibia to collaborate with international organisations to develop strategies that address the underlying issues without resorting to large-scale culling of wildlife.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article