Washington, D.C. — Born Free USA, a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, commends D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh (Ward 3) for introducing B21-0251, a bill that seeks to eliminate the trade in ivory and rhinoceros horn in Washington, D.C.[teaserbreak]
The U.S. is the second largest ivory consumer in the world, with New York, California, and Hawaii being the country’s largest markets for ivory. Illegal trafficking of these wildlife products is directly responsible for shocking declines in wild populations in recent years, and this bill is a crucial step toward reducing the target market in the U.S.
According to Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA and the Born Free Foundation, “The elephant poaching epidemic across Africa has reached crisis levels and rhino poaching is escalating exponentially. Unfortunately, the U.S. is the second largest ivory market in the world. We are thankful for Councilmember Cheh’s leadership on this bill, which is a crucial part of ending the slaughter.”
Between 2007 and 2013, one tusk, six ivory carvings, and 52 pianos with ivory keys were seized in Baltimore. In addition, three tusks, 17 pieces of ivory jewelry, and six ivory carvings were seized in Dulles International Airport between 2007 and 2012. Unfortunately, these seizures do not represent the total amount of ivory coming into Baltimore and Dulles Airport, since the trade of ivory often goes unnoticed because of its illicit nature.
According to Born Free USA, the elephant poaching threat has become increasingly severe over the past several years. It is estimated that an average of 96 elephants is slaughtered daily by poachers, and more than 103,000 have been killed since January 2012, according to www.bloodyivory.org. “If the killing rate continues, certain African elephant populations in west and central Africa could be extinct within a decade,” explains Roberts. “The ivory trade is not only dangerous for animals, but people in fragile African states, as well. As proven in our Born Free USA reports, Ivory’s Curse and Out of Africa, illegal ivory trafficking is exploited by transnational criminal networks that enable terrorism, weapons, and human trafficking, feeding devastating violence and instability in Africa.”
Additionally, both black and white rhinos in Africa are in serious danger due to poaching. The market for their horns is fueling the slaughter of more than 1,000 rhinos per year in South Africa alone. Only 25,000 black and white rhinos remain across all of Africa, and they could become extinct in the wild in as few as 12 years. The horns, made of a substance akin to fingernails, are used by unwitting consumers who falsely believe in their medicinal application, despite conclusive evidence that they have no curative properties.
Councilmember Mary Cheh said, “The ‘Elephant Ivory and Rhinoceros Horns Trafficking Prohibition Act of 2015’ would ban the import, sale, offer for sale, purchase, barter, or possession (with intent to sell) of ivory and rhinoceros horns in the District. This bill is important and necessary in the District if we are serious about ensuring that we do not contribute to the slaughter of elephants and rhinos. While there are certain exceptions regarding antiques, musical instruments, and research materials, the penalties for violating the law include fining, imprisonment, or both. This inhumane treatment will stop only when there is no longer demand for ivory and rhino horns in the United States and throughout the world. State action must supplement and support federal action, and passing this law now will enable the District to be a leader on this important issue.”
“Several states have introduced legislation that would ban the sale of ivory and rhino horn, and we commend Councilmember Cheh for introducing this important piece of legislation in our nation’s capital,” said Rosalyn Morrison, Program Associate at Born Free USA.
Born Free USA is urging swift action on this important bill in the D.C. legislature.
Born Free USA is a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to America the message of “compassionate conservation”—the vision of the U.K.-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son Will Travers. Born Free’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. More at www.bornfreeusa.org, www.twitter.com/bornfreeusa, and www.facebook.com/bornfreeusa.
Media Contact: Rodi Rosensweig, 203/270-8929, therodicompany@gmail.com