African trophy hunting show in Vaughan angers animal rights activists

cp24.com
The Canadian Press
Jan, 15, 2016

An African trophy hunting show that is expected to bring hundreds of hunters from across the globe to a venue north of Toronto this weekend has raised the ire of animal rights activists.

African Events Canada, the organizer of The Africa Show, says the two-day event in Vaughan, Ont., offers Canadians an opportunity to book trips to Africa where they can hunt animals such as lions, leopards, elephants and hippopotamuses.

Activist group Animal Justice says trophy hunting is a cruel and outdated practice that should be stopped in favour of environmentally friendly activities like eco-tourism.

The group has launched an online petition against the event and is vowing to protest outside the venue if organizers go ahead with the show.

The owner of African Events Canada says the Animal Justice threats forced a hotel - where the show was originally scheduled to take place - to cancel the booking.

Birgit Johnstone says animal rights activists don't understand that trophy hunting has economical and ecological benefits for the local population in Africa.