[TexasM1A]

I think it has more to do with the WAY they were killed.
Maybe I misread it, but it doesn’t sound like they were hunted, but used as a means of brutal entertainment?
But I could be wrong about that.

[marktwain]

The anti-hunting types demonize every method of hunting.

It doesn't matter to the animals.

What matters is solid conservation of the animal populations, to sustain a desired population level, and maximize the resource.

Most anti-hunters want to stop all hunting. They believe hunting is bad.

[Little Ray]

There also used to be ‘sport’ called Bear Baiting. A tethered bear fought a pack of dogs until died or killed all the dogs.
Horrible.