Plans to rebuild a rundown Beijing hunting ground into the largest in North China have been scrapped due to opposition from animal protection groups.

Miyun county authorities proposed attracting up to 50 million yuan in investment to rejuvenate the State-owned land. However, on Monday a county official who did not want to be identified told METRO the plans are shelved.

"After considering the suggestions (received since last December), the county government has stopped the project," he said.

The Capital Animal Welfare Association (CAWA) wrote to the government expressing its opposition several times, eventually winning the supportof Shen Mengpei, a member of the Beijing Committee of the National People's Congress.

"I'm satisfied (with the decision)," said Shen, who received notice that the project was cancelled on April 11. "Our task is to protect wild animals, not hunt them."

CAWA president Qin Xiaona said her group is yet to receive an official reply, however, and added that there is a fear among NGOs that officials "might change their mind in the future".

"There aren't many wild animals in Beijing," she added. "We can't afford to reduce that number through hunting."

The hunting ground, which covers a 400-hectare hill and has been operated by the State-owned Wuling Mountain Villa, has been open since 1994.

Deputy manager Li Guoliang on Monday said roughly 30,000 clients arrive every year to hunt hare and pheasant. Prices ranging from 100 yuan to 400 yuan, depending on the type of gun rented. Teams are also required to hire a guide for 150 yuan.

Li suggested that the county government may now use the land to develop eco-tourism, although he was unable to offer any further details.

China Daily

(China Daily 04/20/2011)