Photo by David Cogswell
In the wake of worldwide outcry over the killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe, a New York state senator is proposing an airport ban on transporting big game trophies through the area's three major airports.
In an exclusive story, the New York Daily News reports Sen. Brad Hoylman is set to introduce legislation that would bar the remains of threatened or endangered species from being shipped as cargo through John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark-Liberty International airports.
Since the three are jointly run by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, it would take passage from both state houses to be enacted.
New Jersey Assemblyman Tim Eustace will sponsor the measure in his state.
"Like people across the globe, I was sickened that an American would kill such a magnificent creature as a lion, especially one so beloved as Cecil," Hoylman told the paper.
Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer apparently lured the beloved lion off protected land in Zimbabwe, shot it with a bow and arrow and then tracked it for 40 hours before finally killing it. In a statement, Palmer said he followed the legal instructions granted by his Zimbabwe permit for big game hunting in the country. He said he didn't realize he was breaking the law.
Hoylman and Eustace are proposing hefty fines and possibly criminal violations for transporting big game remains through the airports.
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