Enact Legislaton Outlawng Ivory and Rhino Horn Trade in Massachusettss
Change.org
In 2014, President Barack Obama gave hope to the last remaining wild African elephants by issuing an executive order banning ivory in the U.S. Sadly, two years later, the U.S. is still the second largest market for the illegal ivory trade, behind China. This is largely true because the order fails to close several in-state sale loopholes. My state of Massachusetts plays a role in this market -- Boston has been ranked 4th in the U.S. for sales of ivory advertised on Craigslist. We must stop this.
It is up to states to close the loopholes in Obama’s order, and New Jersey, New York and California have done just that by passing laws banning the sale of ivory within their borders. There is currently a bill sitting in the House Judiciary Committee that would do the same in Massachusetts.
Please join me in urging the Massachusetts state legislature to pass Bills S.440 and H.1275 banning the import, in-state, and internet sale and distribution of ivory and rhino horns.
On average, 96 elephants are killed for their tusks every day, and 1,200 rhinoceroses are killed annually. They are killed using AK47s, poisoned watermelons, cyanide dumped in watering holes, and poisoned darts that lead to weeks of extreme suffering before they die. Their tusks or horns are often hacked off while the animal is still alive. At this rate, these keystone species could be extinct within 20 years.
Poaching is also a national security issue, as extremist groups and terrorist organizations are often involved in wildlife trafficking, using it to finance their military operations. Wildlife trafficking is among the top 5 criminal markets worldwide alongside narcotics, weapons, human trafficking, and counterfeiting.
Action is needed before May 2nd, 2016, when the Judiciary Committee gives its recommendation on the Bill.
Let's urge our lawmakers to partner with the world in saving elephants and rhinos. Sign my petition asking them to pass these bills banning the ivory trade within Massachusetts borders.
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