Animal welfare group calls for closure of captive lion breeding industry in SA

CAPE TOWN - Animal welfare group Four Paws is calling for the closure of the captive lion breeding industry in South Africa.

The organisation said around 8,000 lions are being held in captivity across 300 breeding facilities nationwide.

The call was made during the group’s annual state of animal welfare address earlier this week.

Lions and other big cats are often bred for trophy hunting, the lion bone trade, and tourism.

Four Paws South Africa director Fiona Miles said they’re hoping to see legislative action within the next year.

“We need the public to back legislative reform, hold municipalities accountable, and choose kinder lifestyles. Public voices, petitions, and participation in campaigns really help push Parliament to act faster and more decisively on animal welfare.”