'Stop poaching by legalising'

2010-08-25 22:52

Johannesburg - The Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA) on Wednesday called for trade in rhino horn to be legalised to combat rhino poaching in southern Africa.
Condemning the killing of rhinos to promote the illegal trade in rhino horn, WRSA said it believed the situation was out of control and that "urgent new initiatives" had to be taken to deal with the crisis.

WRSA manager Reinhardt Holtzhausen said the re-introduction of rhino horn to the trade industry, under strict control and standards, and overseen by South African authorities would be the "key to the solution".

According to WRSA, over 180 rhinos have been killed in South Africa in the last eight months alone.

The matter of poaching has been given top priority, but the steps taken to date have not been "totally effective", he said.

Commenting on the recent reported death of a man in Bangkok because of contaminated rhino horn, Holtzhausen said he empathised with game farmers, but that "the means do not justify the end".

"WRSA is committed to urgently facilitate a rethink with all key stakeholders, including the authorities, to devise initiatives that result in a concerted, bold and speedy breakthrough," he said.

- SAPA