Several years ago, when Cecil the lion was killed by Walter Palmer, a dentist from Minnesota, the slaughter sparked an international outcry that shined a light on the atrocities committed by trophy hunters. The revulsion may have been in part because Cecil had a name. Every lion, rhino, bear or other species that is hunted purely for a trophy is a Cecil in some way. They may not be famous but they are sentient beings with families, killed for an ornament to be hung on a wall.
When animals are killed abroad, it is legal to ship their trophies back to the U.S. We are a country of people who care about animals and can now use our voice to ban this senseless cruelty. Please urge your Congress member to support the reintroduction of the Protect Act, which would ban the import of trophies of endangered and threatened animals.
Trophy hunters have and continue to show disregard for animals who are at risk or endangered. This legislation would take a huge step in the right direction. Together we can speak up for these sacrificial lambs.