Gov. Christie has vetoed a bill designed to discourage people who kill big game for the joy of killing. Under the legislation, hunters would be banned from importing or exporting trophy animals through New Jersey airports and ports. The measure was designed to protect a number of animals, including the African elephant, African leopard, African lion, and black and white rhinoceroses. It was a response to the killing of Cecil, a lion in Zimbabwe, by a Minnesota dentist.
Sen. Ray Lesniak, who sponsored the bill, vows to keep fighting. He wrote:
“Christie’s veto of my legislation gives the green light for the continual assault by “trophy” hunters on lions, tigers, leopards, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros and other endangered animals. NewJersey’s ports and airports are a major point of entry for these “trophies”. Because of Governor Christie’s veto, inhumane humans will continue to exploit endangered species for sporting “pleasures.”
Legislation passed at the end of a legislative session cannot be overridden. I will immediately reintroduce my legislation and call for an override if it’s vetoed again.”
Several commercial airlines have banned trophy kills from their planes.
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