Peta doubles Ramaphosa trophy hunt, claims pigeon breeding
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) held on by claiming that President Cyril Ramaphosa was secretly profiting from trophy hunting.
Peta said on Friday that he discovered Ramaphosa was secretly enjoying trophy hunting through the Tsala Hunting Safaris company.
Peta also accused Ramaphosa of unethical breeding and wildlife management activities related to pigeon racing.
The presidency denied the allegations, saying neither he nor Phala Phala Wildlife had any involvement in the trophy hunting industry or Tsala Hunting Safaris.
Peta, a US nonprofit animal rights organization, said Monday: “Ramaphosa’s instructions to give Tsala Hunting Safaris’ notice to end the hunting deal with them” because of the allegations according to which Tsala is engaged in hunting of protected or threatened species [such as white rhinos] is a tacit confirmation of one of Peta’s statements.
READ ALSO: Ramaphosa Denies Claims He Secretly Profits From Trophy Hunting
“We hope this is only the first step Ramaphosa takes in getting rid of all trophy hunting operations,” they added.
Ramaphosa and Phala Phala Wildlife said on Friday, “Peta US has already made false claims regarding the President’s interest in breeding carrier pigeons.
“President Ramaphosa has been a pigeon breeder since the age of 16 and owned a flock of pigeons as a young man living in Soweto in the 1960s and 1970s.”
The Presidency added, “The President spoke with breeders in Soweto and the Western Cape on the development of the industry, as well as the increased participation of young black candidates in pigeon racing.
“Pigeon racing has been practiced since the 1800s and is a popular sport around the world.
“That Peta US continues to use its platforms to disseminate false information regarding Phala Phala Wildlife and President Ramaphosa is very unfortunate.
Peta is the world’s largest animal rights organization, with over 6.5 million members and supporters.
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