Hunting report welcomed - media statement
issued by UDM President (26 October 2005)The UDM raised the matter at the beginning of the year, especially with regard to the hunting of animals in the “buffer zones” around national parks. We are pleased that in a relatively short time our concerns have resulted in an inquiry. The report apparently validates our concerns about the hunting of animals which are protected by the state with taxpayer money. We were shocked that private individuals could be making millions by orchestrating the hunting of protected animals coming from our national parks. Such a situation would be the destruction of a national asset for the distinct personal gain of a small group.
The issues raised by this hunting report are complex and deserve further proper debate. The UDM urges the Minister to table the report before the relevant Parliamentary Committee in order for constructive discussion on these issues to take place. If necessary further public hearings could also be called.
The important thing now is that the process must be followed through to its conclusion; a clear and publicly acknowledged policy on hunting, especially of protected species and game nurtured with taxpayer money.