Government trophy hunting inquiry a win for conservation, says BASC

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has described the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee inquiry into the Government’s Animals Abroad Bill as a ‘win for conservation’.

The EFRA Select Committee’s inquiry announced today (2 July) that they will look at the government’s proposals on so-called ‘trophy hunting’ and whether the soon to be published Animals Abroad Bill will be effective in tackling cruelty to animals.

BASC’s position is supportive of the sustainable harvest of wildlife in the UK and overseas and that any decision on importing and exporting hunting trophies should be made on the known evidence not on emotive language.

Dr Conor O’Gorman, BASC’s head of campaigns and policy, said: “The issue of trophy hunting is clearly emotive, but the science is clear. Well-regulated hunting programmes play an important role in delivering benefits for both nature and people.

“This inquiry is an important opportunity for government to hear the evidence and views of experts in the field and from overseas communities that will suffer from the unintended consequences of any restrictions.

“The campaign to ban trophy hunting has been marred in controversy and dubious claims. This inquiry will allow the truth to be heard and is a win for conservation and the communities and wildlife that benefit from overseas hunting.

“BASC will be submitting a response to the inquiry and look forward to corresponding with the EFRA Select Committee on this important topic.”