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Cecil the Lion - Killed by Dr. Walter J. Palmer from Minnesota

Plaintiff
Cecil, a 13-year-old lion, was lured outside of his sanctuary in a national park in Zimbabwe early July 2015 following the scent of a potential snack. After being led over the border of the park where hunting is illegal he was shot with a crossbow bow by Dr. Walker J Palmer a dentist and game hunter from Minnesota. Wounded but not killed, Cecil was hunted down again and 40 hours later shot with a rifle by Dr. Palmer.

Cecil, well known to those who visited the Hwange National Park in western Zimbabwe for his jet black mane, was beheaded and skinned, according to conservation officials. His corpse was left to rot in the sun. Cecil had a GPS collar fitted for a research project by UK-based Oxford University that allowed authorities to track its movements. The hunters tried to destroy it but failed. The head of the ZCTF told the BBC that Cecil "never bothered anybody" and was "one of the most beautiful animals to look at".

While Dr. Palmer claims his hunt was legal, two other men have already been placed on trial for the killing of Cecil. Charges include poaching without a permit and hunting after dark. If convicted they face up to 15 years in prison. Dr. Palmer is said to have paid ~$55,000 for the hunt and has taken credit for shooting Cecil both with a crossbow and a rifle.

Court records have shown that the dentist has a felony record in the US after killing a black bear in the state of Wisconsin in 2006, then lying about the location where it was killed. He has a history of game hunts including killing a rhino, bighorn, black bears, and elk.

What action should be taken against Dr. Walter Palmer for his role in the killing of Cecil the lion?
vs.
Dr. Walter J. Palmer

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    • [-][+]My resolution
    • 9 years ago
    Francis B. (Neutral)
    $200K donation, then everyone leave him alone. – Did they ever find this guy? I'm starting to feel sorry for him. I agree with Hanbal, donate $200,000 to conservation efforts and everyone should leave him alone. I think he's got the message by now that much of the population doesn't support trophy hunting and they definably don't like killing of majestic animals like Cecil. So, say you're sorry, mean it and donate some of what you would have spent on your next 4 hunting trips.
      • [-][+]My resolution
      • 9 years ago
      Steve W. (Advocate for respondent)
      $300,000 donation by Palmer to specific conservation causes. Vote this up. – I propose Dr Palmer donate $300,000 to conservation causes. A panel would need to be established to disburse the funds over 3 causes with the best track record for charity in this area- IE lowest admin highest funds to end-cause track verifiable numbers. There might be something on charity navigator--- or if Dr Palmer agrees to the amount, we can debate which organizations will get the funds here at PeopleClaim. Anyone want to suggest a cause?
        • [-][+]My resolution
        • 117 Points
        • 9 years ago
        Hanbal K. (Neutral)
        As mentioned in my argument earlier, Dr. Palmer is not to be blamed for this situation but instead his guide. However, Many people think that he still has some blame to be apportioned to him and shouldn't be allowed to come out of this situation without any action against him. Keeping that in mind, I suggest that Dr. Palmer make a generous donation to the Hwange National Park. Furthermore, Dr. Palmer can also make a donation to Oxford to help it with it research regarding any wildlife study. This, along with another public apology from Dr. Palmer should be considered enough on his part.
          • [-][+]My resolution
          • 9 years ago
          Steve W. (Advocate for respondent)
          Don't blame the player, blame the game- or Ref – According to what I've read, the hunter wasn't doing anything illegal. Its up to the park officials in Zimbabwe to control hunting. Blaming the hunter for the lion's death is absurd if he was just following the rules there. Blame the officials. I hate to see death of a nobel animal like this, but it has to be controlled at the govt level- not selectively blaming hunters who support the local economy.
            • [-][+]My resolution
            • 9 years ago
            Sandra J. (Neutral)
            Let the hunter become the prey. – I'd like to hear more of the facts, but my resolution would be to set Dr Palmer free deep in the park and let him find his way out past all the lions that are still living there. Fair sport? I think so.
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