The Mirror’s call for a ban on trophy hunting has huge public backing.
A poll found 75% want the import of animal parts to end.
Charity Born Free says from 2008 to 2017 2,500 “trophies” were shipped to the UK.
These included parts from 560 African elephants, 301 hippopotamuses and 265 American black bears.
Other wretched victims included 222 baboons, 159 zebras, 98 Nile crocodiles, 87 leopards and 80 once magnificent African lions.
Over the same period more than 121,000 animal parts were exported to the US, 18,000 to Singapore and 14,000 to Germany.
Campaigners warn unless this cruel trade is outlawed species could become extinct.
Our campaign also calls for an end to confining animals on small reserves for paying customers to slaughter.
The online Survation poll found 63% strongly support a ban on trophy hunting, 12% support a ban, 9% have no opinion, while 12% strongly oppose a ban, 2% oppose a ban and 2% did not know.
Comedian Bill Bailey is the latest celeb to back the Daily Mirror’s campaign.
He said: “I can’t get my head round why anyone would want to kill a beautiful creature for fun.
“With the dwindling numbers of species, it’s time to halt this cruel and unnecessary practice.”
Lorraine Kelly, Joanna Lumley, conservationists, and MPs and peers back a ban. Eduardo Goncalves, of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, said: “People are shocked it still goes on, and British hunters do it.”
Dr Mark Jones, head of policy at Born Free, added: “Trophy hunting is a cruel and damaging relic of a
colonial era that causes immense animal suffering and disrupts wildlife.”
Environment Secretary Michael Gove is calling for evidence on the subject and says he will “not hesitate” to act if there is a case for a ban.
