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Yes On I-1401 Celebrates Passage of Landmark Bill In California to Ban Sale of Elephant Ivory and Rhino Horn
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Today Yes On I-1401 campaign and coalition members celebrated the passage of a landmark bill in the California State Senate to ban the sale of nearly all ivory and rhinoceros products in their state. The passage of AB 96 in the California State Senate and Assembly is a clear sign of the building national momentum to fight the poaching and trafficking of endangered species, as well as an acknowledgement of the local connection to this global problem. The California legislation also shows growing national momentum for major port states to crack down on trafficking of products from endangered species
“California’s work to ban the sale of products made from elephant ivory and rhino horn is an encouraging sign that momentum is building for decisive action to save animals facing extinction,” said Yes On I-1401 campaign spokesperson Aaron Pickus. “Washington voters have an opportunity this November to go even further than California lawmakers and increase protections for 10 key species, including elephants and rhinos. We look forward to engaging with voters across our state to talk about how we can work together to protect not just elephants and rhinos, but other heavily poached species such as pangolins, sharks and cheetahs.”
CA-AB96, the California bill to ban the sale of nearly all ivory and rhino products, is heading to the governor’s desk today.
“These are landmark bills,” said Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society of the United States. “If Governor Brown signs them, California will be the first state on the Pacific coast to crack down so meaningfully on the trade of ivory and to end the use of bullhooks. In their own distinct ways, the trade of ivory and the striking of elephants with bullhooks have caused too much needless suffering for these majestic animals. It’s exciting to be fighting back by securing these policy gains.”
“Ninety-six elephants are killed every day for their ivory – translating to 35,000 deaths each year,” said California Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins in a statement following the bills passage. “This species loss is unsustainable and African elephants are being poached at a higher rate than they are being born, which will result in their extinction. By passing AB 96, the Legislature can help strengthen enforcement against the illegal ivory trade in California, which will, in turn, help put an end to poaching.”