7 April 2026, 05:12

Enter a search term above and press Enter to start the search. Press Esc to cancel.

Hunting

A Commitment Against Hunting

In recent years, the topic of hunting has gained attention worldwide, particularly due to the ethical questions associated with it. Numerous celebrities are actively committed against hunting and advocate for the protection of animals and their habitats. Here are some notable public figures who have positioned themselves as opponents of hunting.

Editorial Wild beim Wild — 19 July 2025

Paul McCartney, the former Beatle and internationally renowned musician, is known not only for his musical achievements but also for his tireless commitment to animal welfare.

In particular, he has spoken out vehemently against hunting But what are the reasons for his opposition to this controversial subject?

McCartney believes in the ethical responsibility of humans towards animals. He argues that it is morally wrong to kill animals for sporting purposes or as a leisure activity. Instead, he advocates for empathy and compassion towards all living beings. These ethical convictions are a central component of his argument against hunting.

Another reason for McCartney's opposition to hunting is the negative impact it has on ecosystems. Hunting can lead to a dangerous decline in certain animal species, thereby disrupting the balance of nature. McCartney has repeatedly spoken out in favour of protecting endangered species, emphasising that the preservation of biodiversity is of fundamental importance to the health of our planet.

As a vegetarian and later vegan activist, McCartney has dedicated his life to animal welfare. He has initiated and supported numerous campaigns to raise awareness of the cruelty of hunting. His foundation «Meat Free Monday», which advocates for a reduction in meat consumption, is just one of many examples that illustrate his commitment.

McCartney uses his platform as a global star to educate the public about the negative aspects of hobby hunters to educate the public. Through appearances on talk shows, social media campaigns, and public events, he has raised awareness of the issues surrounding hunting. His prominence enables him to reach many people and influence the discussion on animal welfare and hunting.

Other Celebrities

Pop singer and actress Miley Cyrus is another prominent voice against hunting. She has advocated for animal rights and publicly expressed her aversion to hunting on social media.

British comedian and actor Ricky Gervais is known for his direct and often humorous comments on social issues. He has spoken out loudly against the hunting of animals and called for forest management and the protection of endangered species.

TV host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres has also spoken out against hunting and uses her reach to support animal welfare organizations. She has frequently spoken on her talk show about the importance of protecting animals and their habitats.

Killing wildlife is not a hobby! Trophy hunting must finally be abolished and made a criminal offense. – Ruth Moschner, presenter and author

Exotic hunting trophies are an anachronism and an expression of a completely outdated culture. In the face of massive species extinction, we should draw a clear line. It is time to make peace with nature. – Ranga Yogeshwar, science journalist and author

How could we have allowed this sick trophy hunting, this pseudo-image of the great white hunter, for so long? And how quickly could we put an end to it! – Dr. Jane Goodall, behavioral researcher and UN Messenger of Peace

Animals are sentient beings, not moving targets. Trophy hunting is pointless, cruel, and long outdated. It is time for us to put a stop to it. – Guido Maria Kretschmer, fashion designer and television presenter

The most beautiful trophy is the good feeling of never having harmed any person, nature, or animal for one’s own gratification. – Maria Furtwängler, actress

I don't understand why anyone would intentionally kill animals for display purposes. We are living through the greatest mass extinction since humans first appeared on Earth. For this reason — and in general — the joy of what is alive is the most beautiful and fulfilling joy there is. A pair of binoculars is all you need. Dr. Mark Benecke, forensic biologist, author and politician

Every day, rangers risk their lives to protect endangered animals. And we allow a few privileged individuals to shoot these animals for their bloody private pleasure in exchange for money. This is unacceptable. – Sky du Mont, actor

We do not save endangered species by killing them. Stand up against trophy hunting! – Michi Schreiber, bestselling author, primatologist and animal welfare advocate

I want my children and grandchildren to live in a world where elephants roam across Africa and do not gather dust as trophies on living room walls. – Florian Weiss, TV and radio presenter

The current state of knowledge compels us to acknowledge the intrinsic value and right to life of sentient animals. The killing of wild animals purely for trophy exploitation or as a leisure pursuit is no longer acceptable by any measure. – Prof. Dr. Rudolf Winkelmayer, veterinarian and author

Let us imagine a world in which nature exists only in air-conditioned museums and animals are found exclusively as mounted heads on living room walls. Apparently one cannot ban the killing of animals outright, but only the import of hunting trophies. That is what we are seeking to do here, so that people stop destroying beauty and the future. – Katja Riemann, actress and singer

Apart from the fact that the entire practice of hunting is harmful anachronistic nonsense, the thrill for the trophy hunter lies in killing the rarest, most exceptional animals possible and bringing them home. This torpedoes all species protection agreements! The only way to curb such violations of the law is a consistent ban on trophy imports! – Marita Marschall, actress

These celebrities and many others actively advocate for animal welfare and fight against hunting, for both ethical and ecological reasons. Their commitment has significantly raised awareness of these important issues and demonstrates how influential individuals can contribute to societal change. By using their platform, they help spark a discussion about the treatment of animals and nature and drive positive change.

More on the topic of recreational hunting: In our Dossier on Hunting we compile fact-checks, analyses and background reports.

Support our work

With your donation you help protect animals and give them a voice.

Donate now