Celebrities Ricky Gervais, Alan Cumming, and Heather Mills are urging readers of the Mirror to support a final effort to ban trophy hunting globally. Ricky Gervais condemned the practice as “pathetic and indefensible,” emphasizing the need for an international treaty to prohibit the hunting of animals for trophies. Despite promises in the Labour manifesto, activists were disappointed when plans to ban trophy imports were delayed earlier this year.
Gervais emphasized that trophy hunting is cruel and unjustifiable, highlighting that animals are not trophies or decorations but living beings deserving of compassion and protection. A petition advocating for a worldwide Abolition Declaration has garnered significant support, aiming to put an end to this barbaric practice.
Alan Cumming also voiced his concerns, labeling trophy hunting as an outdated and disturbing demonstration of human dominance over nature. He stressed the importance of respecting wildlife and protecting their lives in the face of declining biodiversity.
Heather Mills echoed these sentiments, stating that no animal should lose its life for the sake of a photograph or a trophy. She emphasized the need to admire and safeguard iconic wildlife rather than turning them into trophies.
Efforts to ban trophy hunting imports have faced obstacles, with multiple Bills failing to pass into law due to time constraints in Parliament. Eduardo Goncales, the founder of The Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, urged continued support to push the legislation forward.
In response, a Defra spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to animal welfare and the introduction of a ban on hunting trophies from endangered species. They assured that legislation would be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time permits.
