The Mirror’s call for a ban on bloodsport trophy hunting has huge public backing, with almost nine in 10 people supporting our campaign.
A poll found 86% want an end to the killing of animals such as lions, elephants and rhinos for their heads, horns or skins.
On Saturday we revealed how a ban on the import of sick souvenirs from trophy hunting is being considered by animal welfare minister Zac Goldsmith.
News of the consultation was welcomed by conservationist Chris Packham, actor Peter Egan, Caroline Lucas MP and Carrie Symonds, the girlfriend of Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
The PM also took to his Twitter page to show his support, posting the Mirror’s story and writing: “We must end this barbaric practice.”
Eduardo Goncalves, of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, urged Mr Johnson to “act immediately”, adding: “What we need now is action that bans trophy hunters from bringing their sick souvenirs back into the country.
“This is an absolute scandal, and something that voters clearly feel very strongly about.
“There needs to be a complete ban on trophy imports, proper enforcement of a ban, and tough penalties for anyone who tries to get away with it. Nothing else will do.”
The Survation poll found 86% support a ban on all trophy hunting, 6% have no opinion, while just 8% say it should not be universally outlawed.
Some 2,500 “trophies” were shipped to the UK between 2008 and 2017.
These included parts from 560 elephants, 301 hippos and 265 American black bears.
