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The NSPCA says wildlife is not only being smuggled into South Africa from Botswana but also from other neighbouring countries and countries further north in Africa.
National Wildlife Inspector Wendy Willson was reacting to a report that South African lion breeders are involved in illegal smuggling of lion and cheetah cubs from Botswana to South Africa.
Canned lion hunting is illegal in Botswana but permitted in South Africa. Eighty percent of South Africa's captive lion population is reportedly located in the Free State but most hunting happens in the North West.
Meanwhile, the global lobby group Avaaz says its instituting a free speech lawsuit opposing the recall of airport adverts against lion bone trade which featured a picture of President Jacob Zuma.
The suit is being brought after advertisements at OR Tambo international airport, calling for an end to the trade in lion bones in Asia, were pulled down
