Mike Hancock News
Hancock Condemns Rhino Poaching
Mike Hancock (MP for Portsmouth South) today agreed to co-sponsor a Parliamentary Early Day Motion being tabled by Katy Clark MP, condemning the global practice of Rhino poaching and calling for its end.
Mike said, "I cannot believe how quickly this cruel practice has accelerated over the past few years - rising from 7 in 2000 to 307 so far in 2011. The most upsetting thing is that these animals are not being hunted for food, but the vast majority of cases involve commercial poaching. "
Following on from World Rhino Day on the 22nd September, the EDM calls on world Governments to introduce a ban on Rhino horns being used in medicines. The day highlighted the plight of Rhinos throughout the world and the futility of Rhino poaching. Currently, Rhino charities globally are pushing to dispel the common belief that Rhino horn has healing effects, while it in fact contains no medicinal properties whatsoever - these creatures are dying for no one's benefit.
The full text of the EDM reads:
'That this house expresses concern at the continuing global practice of Rhino poaching by crime syndicates and at the almost daily killing of these animals; notes that this practice is particularly prevalent in South Africa and Zimbabwe; further notes that almost 200 of these highly endangered animals were killed in South Africa alone in the first half of 2011 and killings this year are expected to exceed the 2010 figure of 333; expresses deep concern at the suffering faced by the animals during hunts by poachers; further notes that this poaching is fuelled by demand for Rhino horn in traditional medicine markets in Asia; and calls on the government to work with Asian and African nations to tackle this crime and secure a global ban on Rhino horn use in medicines.'
Share this page:
