http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/11/albania-hunting-ban-takes-aim-at-depopulation-2014111812148301986.html
Wildlife numbers falling rapidly, but a controversial new ban on hunting seeks to protect Albania’s animals.
Tirana, Albania – Bujar Hyka and his friends headed out in their jeep west of Albania’s capital on a recent Sunday morning. Dressed in camouflage, the men navigated the vehicle through rough terrain with three restless English Setters eagerly waiting to jump out.
A year ago, this would have been a hunting trip. But under Albania’s new anti-hunting law, Hyka and his friends have been forbidden to kill animals and now simply hike weaponless through the country’s pristine wilderness.
“The government doesn’t understand that hunting is a sport; they are
ruining our sport,” said Hyka, 59, head of one of Albania’s hunters and fishermen’s organisations. “It’s like someone taking a football away from footballers.”
Earlier this year, the Albanian government imposed a two-year moratorium on all hunting to save its endangered animal population. Reports suggest 30-50 percent of Albania’s wildlife species have seen a steep decline in the past decade. Hunting is one of the main reasons for the loss.
Among the endangered species in the country are the Balkan lynx, the Egyptian vulture, the Dalmatian pelican, the European eel, and the Albanian water frog.
Thanks to C.A.S.H.: The Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting
Exposing the Big Game 
Or they could just enjoy their walks in the woods and shoot each other on Call of Duty when they get home.
Yes! Unfortunately, we know that the populations of these poor animals really must be in trouble, for a government to initiate such a ban. I would love to see a Real Sport as the cartoon illustrates: “Hunt each other, leave the animals alone!”
http://www.foranimals.org
What does it say about this country and its “visionary” leaders (including the pathetic failure currently occupying the White House) when a Third World backwater like Albania bests us in environmental morals?
It pretty much says it all.
Reblogged this on Howling For Justice.