A group that includes hunters and taxidermists has filed suit challenging New Jersey’s law barring remains of lions and other exotic animals from being imported into the state. The state laws, according to the suit, were intended “to make licensed, regulated hunting of Big Four game more difficult and less attractive to New Jersey residents by preventing them from bringing home a traditional trophy.” To which lead sponsor Sen. Ray Lesniak replied, “Exactly.”
John Jackson III, chairman of Conservation Force, which brought the suit, said: “Hunters won’t pay [permit] prices unless they have mementos that they live with. It’s very, very important to them emotionally; it’s the most important piece of personal property they own.”
Lesniak: “It’s very, very, important emotionally to them? How about the emotions of the majestic animal they just killed? And it’s their personal property?” The senator issued a news release saying
“These guys and gals just won’t give up getting their thrills from taking home “trophies” of lions, tigers, rhinos, leopards and elephants.
And I won’t give up shutting them down.”
The legislation, signed into law last month by Gov. Chris Christie, made New Jersey the second state to ban importing parts of big game facing extinction. Companion legislation bans import through facilities operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, a major port in the U.S.A.. The suit, Conservation Force v. Porrino, maintains the New Jersey law is in conflict with federal law.
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