Belgium To Ban Trophy Hunting Imports Of Endangered Species

Belgium is set to ban trophy hunting imports of endangered species, with a legislative proposal approved by the Council of Ministers on July 14, 2023. Between 2014 and 2018, the country allowed 308 hunting trophies from nearly 40 protected species to be imported, including animals like mountain zebras, African lions, and polar bears. The move aligns with the overwhelming opposition from the Belgian public towards trophy hunting, as 91% of citizens were found to be opposed or strongly opposed to the industry in a 2020 survey.

The ban in Belgium reflects a broader trend in Europe, with other countries like Finland, France, and the Netherlands implementing restrictions on trophy hunting. Additionally, there is growing momentum for an EU-wide ban on trophy imports, as only six percent of people across all 27 member states support trophy hunting according to a recent poll. The UK has already approved a ban covering 6,000 endangered species, with similar discussions underway in Germany, Italy, and Poland to impose bans in their respective countries.