Outrage as British trophy hunters pose alongside dead zebras shot for 'sport'

There is no law against hunting zebras despite their endangered status (Picture: Web grab)

Pictures of British hunters posing alongside dead "vulnerable zebras" have sparked outrage amid news the Government plans to ban trophy hunting.

The pictures have gone viral after they were posted on Facebook and show tourists smiling alongside dead animals killed for sport on safari holidays.

One hunter wrote on a guestbook on a safari website: "Never had so much fun with my pants on."

Zebras were classified as vulnerable on the International Union of the Conservation of Nature's red list of threatened species. It came after the population dropped by 24 per cent over a 14-year period.

Celebrities and politicians have all blasted the practice (Web grab)

Despite this, it is not illegal to hunt the animals in the plains of South Africa.

"It is unbelievable there are hardly any legal restrictions on shooting zebras for fun," Eduardo Goncalves of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting told Sunday People.

He added: "So many of Africa's greatest wild animals are ­already suffering thanks to the vile trophy ­hunting industry. Now ­zebras have joined the list. In April last year zebras were ­officially listed as vulnerable.

"The Grévy's zebra species are listed as ­endangered. What is it going to take to stop these killers from wiping out our wildlife completely?"

Minister for animal welfare Zac Goldsmith wants to ban imports such as "trophies" to the UK in a bid to curb the death sport.

Zebra hunting is a 'sport' for the rich

Speaking to Sunday People, he said: "I look at the photos and it turns my stomach."

Comedian Ricky Gervais also condemned the pictures, sharing a picture on Twitter with the caption: "What's black & white and has a c*** on its side?"

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's girlfriend, Carrie Symonds, also blasted the photos, saying: "Can you imagine the hunters below fighting these majestic beasts without needing to hide behind a rock and without needing to use a massive gun?

"Of course not. That's why it's not only cruel beyond belief but as cowardly as it gets too."

Boris Johnson joined the criticism, saying: "We must end this barbaric practice."

Game hunting is a "sport" for the wealthy with Brits paying more than £4,000 for a week's hunting and £500 for hunting a zebra.