'Halt the cruel slaughter' - Peta

NAMIBIA: CULLING NO SOLUTION TO DROUGHT CRISIS

- Carine Hartman

Namibia's culling of more than 700 wild animals, including 83 elephants, has been slammed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) as "misguided" as it urged the Namibian government to "halt this cruel slaughter".

"Culling is not a viable solution to the challenges posed by drought," said Jason Baker, Peta Asia senior vice-president.

"It is a misguided and cruel decision that will only perpetuate suffering." Hunters are now tracking 157 animals of various species in parks "delivering 56 875kg of meat" to feed Namibians as the country faces a severe drought, the ministry of environment, forestry and tourism announced last week.