SA Hunters’ legal action against the government regarding the lack of meaningful public consultation on the inclusion of the impractical definition of animal wellbeing in conservation legislation should not be confused with the importance SA Hunters places on animal welfare. A recent article in the Daily Maverick referred to the association’s lawsuit against parliament in this regard.
SA Hunters and responsible hunters care deeply about the welfare of animals, just like millions of South Africans who consume free-range lamb, beef, or chicken.
SA Hunters has taken a strong stance against practices considered irresponsible. Our hunters’ code requires respect for animals, and the association assists injured animals through contributions to animal welfare organisations and initiatives such as the Snare Busters project, which rescues hundreds of animals from snares. The association feels very strongly about the welfare of wild animals and has also taken the Department of Agriculture to court when they included wild animals on a list that would allow them to be intensively manipulated under the Animal Improvement Act.
We all have a responsibility to preserve our natural heritage in all activities we engage in, including hunting. Animal welfare is a priority.
