California: Protect Elephants From Poachers With Stronger Ivory Ban

In an effort to help protect elephants and rhinos from the poaching crisis that threatens their future survival in the wild, California lawmakers have introduced legislation that would crack down on the sale of both ivory and rhino horn in the state.

California created it's own law regarding ivory in 1976, which currently makes it illegal to import or sell elephant parts, but a loophole allows for the sale of ivory that was imported before 1977. The problem with that is that no one can tell the difference and allowing some legalized ivory sales on the market offers a cover for the illegal trade and has made the law virtually impossible to enforce.

Following legislative victories in New York and New Jersey, California lawmakers have introduced a bill (AB 96), which would close the loophole and ban buying, selling, offering for sale, possessing with intent to sell, or importing with intent to sell elephant ivory or rhino horn, with exceptions for educational and scientific purposes.

While China is largely shouldering the blame for the demand poaching crisis, the U.S. is believed to be the second largest market for ivory. According to a new report from the National Resources Defense Council, California is also home to two of the largest markets in the U.S. after New York City.

Please sign the petition urging California lawmakers to take a stand for wildlife by supporting legislation that would crack down on this bloody trade and help ensure the future survival of these iconic in the wild.

As someone who is concerned with wildlife and the plight of elephants and rhinos who continue to struggle in the face of the current poaching crisis, I am writing to ask you to support recently introduced legislation that would curb the trade in ivory and rhino horns in your state.  

While California passed a law concerning ivory in 1976, a loophole has allowed for sales that continue to threaten elephant and rhino populations in the wild. According to a recent report released by the Natural Resources Defense Council, markets in San Francisco and Los Angeles are home to the largest markets in the nation behind New York City.

AB 96, which was recently introduced by Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins and principal co-author Senator Ricardo Lara will close this unfortunate loophole in the state's existing law and bring stiffer penalties for violators, bringing California in line with other states that have taken the lead on this issue including New York and New Jersey, which both recently passed laws that crack down on the illegal trade.

I sincerely hope you will take a stand for wildlife by supporting this vital piece of legislation to help save these iconic species from disappearing from the landscape forever.

Sign Petition
Sign Petition
You have JavaScript disabled. Without it, our site might not function properly.

Privacy Policy

By signing, you accept Care2's Terms of Service.
You can unsub at any time here.

Having problems signing this? Let us know.