Controversial Proposal: Cull Saiga Antelopes to Solve Economic Issues in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan: Mazhilis Deputy Proposes Controversial Saiga Antelope Cull In a recent Mazhilis (Kazakh Parliament) meeting, Deputy Pavel Kazantsev sparked controversy by proposing a large-scale cull of saiga antelopes. Kazantsev argued that the current situation is a crisis, stating, "This is war, colleagues. We worry about horns, about millions, but spend billions of public funds instead of investing in development, covering losses of unfortunate farmers." He suggested state-organized hunting and distribution of the meat to the population, even proposing to use a state of emergency to bypass laws. Kazantsev's proposal has drawn criticism from conservationists and animal rights groups. However, he also pointed to the economic hardships faced by farmers. "Our agriculture in several regions is dying," he stated, arguing that his proposal is a necessary step to alleviate their suffering. The video shows Kazantsev passionately advocating for his proposal, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the economic impact on local communities. The debate raises important questions about balancing conservation efforts with economic needs in Kazakhstan. The proposal remains under consideration, and further discussions are expected. The long-term effects of such a drastic measure on the saiga population and the Kazakh ecosystem remain a significant concern.