Bill Description:
This bill bans the importation, transportation and possession of five African wildlife species (elephants, leopards, lions, black rhinoceroses, and white rhinoceroses) or any associated wildlife products.[teaserbreak]
Background:
All five of these species are currently facing severe threats from illegal poaching and sport hunting. You can read more about the elephant poaching crisis here.
When he introduced this same bill in 2015, Senator Avella made the following statement: “We’re supposed to be the stewards of these species and shame on us if we allow them to become extinct because of sport hunting…If we can stop it here, we can send a message to the entire world that New Yorkers and New York will not tolerate this.”
A report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agency said New York is the port of entry for much of the illegal animal trade into the country.
This bill is named for Cecil the lion, who was allegedly lured outside of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe in July and killed by an American hunter. His death was particularly gruesome because he was shot with an arrow, injured, and tracked for 40 hours before finally being shot, beheaded, and skinned. Cecil’s story highlights the importance of cracking down on trophy hunting.
Take Action:
New York residents, contact your state Assembly member and senator and ask them to support this important bill!
Read the full text and follow its progress here for the Assembly version and here for the Senate version.