2013/05/02 Taipei, By Yang Shu-min and Maia Huang

May 2 (CNA) Animal rights activists on Thursday called for a ban on traditional hunting contests by indigenous tribes, saying such competitions are a form of animal abuse.

The indigenous peoples’ traditions of hunting animals to show respect for their ancestors and Mother Earth often involve cruel actions such as torture of the animals, said the the Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan and some indigenous activists.

Furthermore, catching animals for fun and hunting pregnant creatures shows no respect for life and violates tribal traditions, said Chen Yu-min, director of the society.

The organization displayed video footage of a contest that showed about 200 people hunting squirrels and tearing the live creatures apart.

Such abuse hurts not only the indigenous culture, but also Taiwan’s international image and its tourism industry, the organization said.

It said that since 2009, at least 28 animal hunting contests have been held in 18 townships in nine counties across the country — all in the name of passing on traditions and cultural heritage.

Although hunters from indigenous tribes are excluded from the country’s wild animal protection laws, participants in such competitions could face animal abuse charges, said Lin Tzu-ling, general secretary of the Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association.

Lin urged the Council of Indigenous Peoples, Council of Agriculture and tourism-related agencies to help promote animal rights and push for the abolition of hunting games across the country.