South African judge lifts domestic ban on rhino horn trade

South African game breeders win battle to overturn moratorium on domestic trade in rhino horn, arguing legalised trade would cut poaching

A South African judge on Thursday lifted a domestic ban on trade in rhino horns, in a direct challenge to government policy put in place in 2009 to try to stem rocketing poaching numbers.

The government gave no immediate reaction to the judge's ruling, which was delivered in the Pretoria high court after two South African game breeders fought a legal battle to overturn the moratorium.