Austrian Animal Welfare Association: Calls for Ban on Hunting Safaris

On hunting safaris, severely endangered species such as lions and elephants are killed by hobby hunters.

In Austria, these cruel hunting safaris can even be sold completely legally, including at the currently running trade fair «Die Hohe Jagd und Fischerei». Even without a hunting licence, customers can try their hand as big-game hunters for a few thousand euros. The Austrian Animal Welfare Association is demanding a nationwide sales ban on hunting safaris..

The shooting of lions and elephants sold at trade fair

At the Die Hohe Jagd und Fischerei trade fair, currently taking place in Salzburg, exhibitors are advertising their bloodthirsty hunting trips. For a few thousand euros, virtually anyone interested can shoot rare and exotic big game. The team from the Austrian Animal Welfare Association contacted exhibitors by email in advance to request hunting safari offers — and was left speechless: The cost of shooting an elephant starts at 15,000 euros, killing a lion currently costs from 13,000 euros, while leopards are cheaper at 4,700 euros. The price for a crocodile is 7,000 euros, 1,300 euros for a zebra. Giraffes are listed at 2,900 euros.

Hunting permitted even without a hunting licence

In Austria, every hobby hunter must hold a special hunting licence. For participation in a hunting safari, such a licence is not mandatory. After all, different laws apply on location, as one provider confirmed to us in writing: "Even a young person can hunt and shoot, provided they are physically and mentally capable of doing so." For the animals, there is no closed season: According to the organiser, these cruel hunting trips can be booked throughout the year.

Petition for a sales ban by the Austrian Animal Welfare Association

The Austrian Animal Welfare Association is calling for a nationwide Austrian ban on the sale of hunting safaris through its petition. The petition aims to collect 50,000 signatures to be submitted to the responsible Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection!