African hunting show goes on in Vaughan despite venue changes, protests

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 16, 2016
By Simone Jospeh

The Premier Place Banquet Hall in Vaughan was sharply divided between two very different groups today.

Outside in the cold were 20 protesters waving their signs, screaming their slogans at cars and passers-by and giving interviews to the media.

“There’s no excuse for animal abuse” went one chant.

Lori Latanville’s sign said “Killer” on one side and “idiot show” on the other.

Inside the hall, the organizer and staff of the African Hunting Events show gathered with exhibitors with their signs and displays trying to entice attendees to choose their African hunting safaris.

Birgit Johnstone, the owner of African Events Inc., said her company launched this event in 2009 and this is the first time protesters have showed up.

So what was different this year?

“It all has to do with Cecil the Lion and social media," she said. "People are cyber warriors. They see one side of the story. They don’t see the money put into conservation, anti-poaching, community initiatives, building schools, clinics drilling wells, uplifting the community and thousands of jobs throughout the community.”

Cecil was hurt with an arrow by Walter Palmer, an American recreational big-game hunter, and then tracked, and last July 1, allegedly killed with a rifle approximately 40 hours later. Palmer said Cecil was killed with a bow and arrow in far less than 40 hours after the lion was first wounded.

Today’s hall was the third venue chosen by the African Hunting Events show. Originally, it was supposed to be at the Holiday Inn in Toronto. That hotel decided to cancel the event after protesters sent information to management.

Next, the event was supposed to be at the Borgata Wedding and Event Venue, at Jane Street and Langstaff Road, but that venue cancelled the event, too.

Animal rights activists were quick to share their views at today's event.

Snehit Ajwalia was one of them.

“Animals are innocent," he said. "All animals have liberty to live freely. They shouldn’t kill animals just for their foolish purpose. It is very wrong and inhumane. They should stop this activity right away."

Lisa Murphy said she and the other protesters are trying to save animals who have been listed as anywhere from threatened to endangered. They are also trying to stop the Toronto Sportsman Show, which offers the same type of hunting safari.

“You have to do something," Murphy said. "You have to start somewhere, otherwise we are just going to keep slaughtering these animals to extinction," she said.

The show continues tomorrow.