07 April 2017

South Africa court permits domestic trade in rhino horns

South Africa's constitutional court has rejected an attempt by the government to keep a ban on the domestic trade in rhino horns.

The ruling that the application be dismissed means that rhino horns can effectively be traded in the country.

Rhino breeders argue that legalising the trade could cut the number of rhinos slaughtered as horns can be sawn off anaesthetised live animals.

However many conservationists disagree with the proposed policy.

The department of environmental affairs said authorities were still considering the implications of Wednesday's judgment.

"It is important to note that permits are required to sell or buy rhino horn," the department's spokesman, Albie Modise, said in a statement.

The ruling only applies to the industry in South Africa as a ban on international trade remains in force.

Source: BBC