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Concern over lion hunting rises in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Debate is intensifying in South Africa over the practice of hunting captive-bred lions.

Critics, who refer to the custom as “canned hunting,” say lions that are bred in captivity are not afraid of people, making them easy targets for shooting in relatively confined areas. While hunting operators in South Africa describe their industry as well-regulated, a key hunting association has called for a review of captive-bred lion hunting amid growing public criticism.

Ian Michler, maker of a documentary film called “Blood Lions,” has estimated that close to 1,000 lions bred in captivity in South Africa are fatally shot every year by trophy seekers.