High Court ruling allows limited international trade of rhino horns

The High Court in Kimberley has ruled that registered rhino conservation breeding operations can now legally sell rhino horns overseas.

The case, brought by Derek Lewitton and Wicus Diedericks against the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, could change the future of conservation and help stop poaching.

“It’s not over yet. This fight now turns into a war for the hearts and minds of the public. And we need to fight hard; we can’t give that up like we had in the past,” said Lewitton.

“This is going to usher in the golden age of conservation where it’s able to fund itself, where there are financial incentives… we need to push back against the noise…”

It’s a massive step in a long, emotional fight for South Africa’s rhino owners.

The ruling allows limited international trade in horn taken safely from live rhinos.

Supporters said it will fund conservation and rural jobs.

The judge decared that: “In circumstances where the Management Authority is satisfied that the rhino horn comes from a white rhinoceros that was bred in captivity for conservation purposes: the Management Authority shall, upon application, issue a permit/certificate to that effect.”

Lewitton said the ruling gives owners a legal way to protect their rhinos and pay for security.

Rhino horn grows back like hair or nails, and backers say legal sales could undercut poachers and save the species.

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