Minnesota dentist accused of hunting famous African lion, Cecil, faces extreme backlash from the world

PETA calls for man to be hanged.

PETA or the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has stated that the dentist accused of killing the famous lion Cecil in Zimbabwe needs to be "extradited, charged and, preferably, hanged."

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - It has been revealed to the world that recently, Walter Palmer purportedly paid $50,000 to hunt the lion with a crossbow, earlier this month. Palmer, a dentist in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, claimed he did not know the lion, notably known in Zimbabwe as Cecil, was protected.

"I had no idea that the lion I took was a known, local favorite, was collared and part of a study until the end of the hunt. I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt," Palmer, who was described to be an enthusiastic hunter, said in a statement.

Many people expressed their anger and disgust upon the matter and as the situation unfurled, PETA issued their own reaction, calling hunting "a coward's pastime."

According to Zimbabwean officials, Palmer, joined by two other Zimbabwean men - one farmer and one professional hunter - tied a carcass of an animal to their car to bait Cecil out of the national park, where he was protected from being hunted.

The farmer and hunter had already been arrested, but Palmer is still being searched for by Zimbabwean officials.

It was reported that Palmer paid up to $50,000 to hunt Cecil the lion, but it is still unclear as to who he paid the amount to. Officials in Zimbabwe explained that it was unlawful, because the farm owner had not obtained a hunting license.

The large cat was later on skinned and beheaded.  

If the two men are found guilty, they could face up to 15 years in prison. The possible penalties for Palmer are still unclear.

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