SASKATOON — A group that pressured a Saskatchewan hotel into cancelling an event showcasing outfits offering African trophy hunts is trying to stop the exposition at a different venue.
Last month, the Saskatoon Inn pulled out of a show by African Events Canada after receiving an online petition signed by thousands of people.
The company's website indicates that the trade show has been rebooked for Jan. 23-24 at the Saskatoon Travelodge.
A second electronic petition has surfaced saying the Travelodge should pull out.
There's been no immediate comment from the hotel on the booking.
The killing of Cecil the lion by a U.S. big-game hunter in Zimbabwe last summer drew international condemnation and sparked outrage among animal conservationists and politicians.
The Saskatoon event is meant to connect Saskatchewan hunters with African safari outfits who also participate in trophy-hunting expeditions.
The second petition, started by Saskatoon resident Kris Williams, says many of the animals targeted for sport hunting in Africa are endangered species.
“Airline Hotels, owner of the Travelodge Saskatoon Hotel, touts its commitment to respect and integrity, yet their support of the unethical, exploitative, cruel and unsustainable trophy-hunting industry flies in the face of these values,” the petition reads.
More than 6,000 signatures from around the world have been collected so far.
Late last year, a Holiday Inn in Toronto cancelled its participation in a similar event after an animal justice lawyer organized an online petition.
