Sell-off of Endangered Species in Dortmund

30 animal and nature conservation organisations are calling on Mayor Thomas Westphal and Dortmund City Council, on the occasion of «Jagd & Hund» in Dortmund, to finally put a stop to the marketing of trophy hunting trips.

The largest hunting fair in Europe takes place from 24 to 29 January at the Westfalenhallen. There, more than 80 exhibitors offer trophy hunting trips, including for endangered and protected species such as elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceroses and polar bears.

Dr. Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, also makes an urgent appeal: “The fact that hunting trophies from rare and endangered species is still legal is absolutely shocking! Please stop the sale of organised trophy hunting trips.”

Ethics commission still not established

More than 120’000 animals are killed every year by hobby hunters in Africa alone. Germans are among the most prolific trophy hunters after Americans. During the 2020 election campaign, Mayor Westphal promised to establish an ethics commission. This has still not been done to this day.

Exhibitors violating fair conditions

The exhibition conditions of the fair explicitly state that the marketing of “shooting opportunities” involving bred animals and animals kept in enclosures is prohibited.

Opposition to trophy hunting is growing

In a recent survey, 89% of German citizens opposed the import of hunting trophies into Germany. Some of the world’s largest travel operators called on the South African government to end trophy hunting. 170 NGOs from around the world are also demanding an end to trophy hunting.

In view of the dramatic biodiversity crisis, the overwhelming majority of people understand that we cannot afford the reckless sell-off of our species.

Mona Schweizer from Pro Wildlife