Sick wildlife trophy hunting imports to UK quadruple in one year
Sick wildlife trophy hunting imports to UK quadruple in one year
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The number of sick animal trophies imported into the UK has increased by four times, the latest data reveals. Trophies, such as skins and stuffed body parts like animal heads, from 39 animals, including lions, elephants, a brown bear, a leopard, a hippo and a cheetah, were shipped to the UK in 2023. The number of lions imported leapt from two in 2022 to 28 in 2023, making the species the most targeted choice for UK hunters who crave a gruesome souvenir and bragging rights. Imports in 2023 also include trophies from five African elephants.
The figures come from CITES data, an international agreement between governments which aims to ensure international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants, which shows that nine hunting trophies were imported into the UK in 2022, 10 in 2021 and 25 in 2020.
The Mirror is campaigning to ban trophy hunting imports. Humane Society International/UK's senior wildlife campaigns manager Nicola White said: “The longer the UK Government takes to deliver its manifesto commitment to ban imports of hunting trophies, the more animals will continue to suffer and die to be turned into ornaments, rugs and coffee tables by selfish British trophy hunters. Over 80 percent of the British public support a ban and the Government must deliver on its election promise to finally put an end to the UK’s part in this cruel, outdated and damaging industry.”.
Last week the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill, sponsored by David Reed MP, was due for its second reading in the House of Commons. But it was postponed to 13th June 2025 due to lack of time. Two previous trophy hunting Bills failed to pass into law due to lack of Parliamentary time, one having been derailed by a handful of pro-hunting peers in the House of Lords.
