By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
THE case of Cecil the Lion is being circulated around the world this morning, with Jason Wood adding his name to the long list of those condemning the senseless killing.
Earlier this month, American dentist and hunter Walter Palmer lured Cecil out of the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and killed, skinned and beheaded the animal.
The 13-year-old lion was said to be an icon of the national park.
A social media storm has erupted, with many across the globe taking to Twitter and Facebook to take aim at the actions of Mr Palmer. #RIPCecil is currently the number two trend on Twitter in Australia.
In a statement released via Facebook earlier today, Jason Wood said he was “at a loss as to how anyone could think this is acceptable.”
The MP for La Trobe was heavily involved in a campaign pushing for a ban on the importation of lion parts into Australia.
The campaign, co-ordinated by Wood and La Trobe constituent Donalea Patman, resulted in the ban being announced on 13 March of this year.
Mr Wood said it was disappointing that other members of parliament were yet to be convinced.
“I have taken a stance to protect vulnerable lions,” he said.
“The Liberal Democrats have decided to join the Shooters and Fishers in fielding candidates and preference against me in the next election because of actions I’ve taken to protect lions – what can I say, they’re a sad lot.”
