PRESS RELEASE

Issued by the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa

22 July 2011

Contact Details: Tel 012-667-2048; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; www.phasa.co.za

PHASA’s REACTION TO THE ALLEGED LOOPHOLE IN LEGISLATION

Pretoria - In reaction to media publications regarding the alleged involvement of professional hunters in the alleged exploitation of legislation in order to obtain permits to hunt rhinos under false pretences, the Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa (PHASA) strongly condemns any illegal activities, any breach of any local or international laws and/or any conduct designed to circumvent such laws. PHASA is a voluntary, non-profit association, acknowledged by Government as the mouthpiece for the legitimate professional hunting industry in South Africa.

A hunting permit is issued to a specific person and only that person is allowed to hunt the animal specified therein. We trust that the necessary legal processes will be followed to establish whether there was indeed criminal activity in these circumstances. If so, the persons involved therein should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It does not appear from the publications that any PHASA members are involved. Any complaint against a PHASA member will be fully investigated in accordance with the PHASA Constitution and Disciplinary By-Laws.

Issued by: Chief Executive Officer, Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa
Contact details: +27 (0)12-667-2048; 083-650-0442