General Assembly Resolution #267 “Sensible Limits on Hunting” (Category: Moral Decency; Strength: Mild) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.
Recognising the praiseworthy aims of the target to prevent unsustainable hunting practices, as well as to restrict trade of endangered animal meats;
Noting, however, that the resolution’s failure to qualify “hunting” means that it includes the inhumane, cruel practice of trophy hunting, where animal carcasses are simply kept as trophies without any actual use such as consumption as food;
Further noting that Section 1 of the target grants member nations the right to “allow…the hunting of non-endangered animal stocks”, thus implying that the World Assembly is unable to itself restrict such hunting in any form;
Concerned that the World Assembly is therefore unable to prohibit or even restrict trophy hunting of non-endangered animals, and especially unconvinced by arguments that it should be permitted, as it necessarily includes the death of wild animals without any benefit beyond the recreation of those who perform the activity;
Cognisant of other flaws in the wording of the target, including that:
- Section 5c qualifying the exceptions for antiques, academic use and artwork with regards to the status of the species at the time means that specimens or artwork of historical significance cannot be traded internationally based on a factor which is both retroactive and largely irrelevant for current use; and
- The exception in Section 2 for potential disease vectors makes no regard for the status of the species or their importance to an ecosystem, meaning that member nations no longer have any obligation under the clause to protect certain endangered species even in a manner that accommodates for the risk of diseases;
Concluding, therefore, that these flaws necessitate repeal and replacement with improved legislation to protect the environment and animal welfare;
The World Assembly repeals “Sensible Limits on Hunting”.