Poachers illegally slaughter over 1,000 rhinoceroses every year to sell their horns in Asian black markets. Rhino horn -- used in useless traditional "medicine" -- is worth more than its weight in cocaine.
South Africa is home to nearly 75 percent of the world's dwindling rhino population, and the government there is considering legalizing the rhino horn trade. Proponents believe that a legal trade would replace illegal poaching by reducing the price of horns and removing incentive to poach. Unfortunately, this is an idealized viewpoint with no historical precedent. Criminals would just poach cheaply in other countries and sell horns for less than those hunted legally, and would still make a profit. China, for example, legalized the sale of tiger bones and skins from legitimate facilities, but poachers continue to hunt them.
Legalizing rhino horn sales would only increase harm to animals and would not deter poaching. Please sign the petition to urge the South African Government to pursue other avenues in ending rhino horn poaching!
We, the undersigned, are concerned with your proposal to legalize the rhino horn trade in an effort to curb illegal poaching.
We understand that proponents believe that a legal trade would replace illegal poaching by reducing the price of horns and removing incentive to poach. Unfortunately, this is an idealized viewpoint with no historical precedent. Criminals would just poach cheaply in other countries and sell horns for less than those hunted legally, and would still make a profit. China, for example, legalized the sale of tiger bones and skins from legitimate facilities, but poachers continue to hunt them.
We believe legalizing rhino horn sales would only increase harm to animals and would not deter poaching. This belief is supported by similar efforts in other countries. We respectfully urge you to pursue other avenues in ending rhino horn poaching. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
