Just over 10 years since Cecil the lion’s death generated global outrage, FOUR PAWS UK is shocked that another majestic wild animal, again part of the University of Oxford research programme, again lured out of a protected area, has been killed by a trophy hunter. Five-year-old Blondie the lion’s killing highlights that nothing has changed in the decade since Cecil’s death. Claims the kill was ethical are grotesque. Blondie’s death is simply further evidence that the trophy hunting industry has no interest in the conservation of at-risk species and no respect for the efforts to protect these magnificent animals.

The UK Government must publish legislation immediately. We need to end UK’s involvement in this damaging and cruel industry and that starts with banning the import of hunting trophies.

Sonul Badiani-Hamment, FOUR PAWS UK Country Director