The Yes on I-1401 campaign to Save Animals from Extinction today continued its weeklong focus on the Extinction Economy by spotlighting the recent history of known trafficking of products in Washington State.
“Every year, thousands of animals are taken to make trophies, rugs, trinkets and other unnecessary items for human consumption. We believe an elephant needs its ivory more than we need a trinket, and that a pangolin needs its scales more than we need folk medicine. This is why we’re fighting so hard for Washington to pass I-1401,” said Vice President of Field Conservation Fred Koontz for the Woodland Park Zoo.
Since 2010, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife records, there have been more than 50 seizures by federal agents of products from animals threatened with extinction just in Washington State alone, but none resulted in jail time or criminal fines. These same species would be covered by new and additional state protections under I-1401, creating a mechanism for state law enforcement to further crack down on the Extinction Economy.
While the spoils of trophy hunting are regulated at the federal level, Initiative 1401 would ensure that trophies like those made from Cecil the Lion could not be sold or distributed within our state’s borders. Crimes like the killing of Cecil the Lion and the terrible sport of trophy hunting may feel like it was committed far away, but the impacts are felt here at home: the United States is the second largest market for these kinds of products, and these markets drive the cruel poaching of species to extinction. We can make a significant difference in Washington State by passing I-1401.