In November 2015 Washington state voters passed Initiative 1401, a first-of-its-kind ballot measure in Washington State which prohibited the purchase, sale and distribution of products made from 10 endangered animals. I-1401 was Save Animals Facing Extinction’s first effort to protect wildlife, and with the support of wildlife philanthropists, and the nation’s leading conservation, education and zoological organizations as well as grassroots donors from across the country, the initiative passed with 70 percent support.
Initiative Passed November 2015
166 violations
With two of the busiest ports on the west coast, Washington State found itself a destination for the transport of illegal wildlife parts, which inspired a coalition of organizations and agencies lead by philanthropist Paul G. Allen to launch Save Animals Facing Extinction and push for the passing of I-1401.
I-1401 ballot was measure approved by Washington State voters in November 2015. The law strengthens penalties, cracks down on in-state commerce and helps eliminates markets and thoroughfares that drive or allow the trafficking of illegal wildlife.
I-1401 protects a wide range of imperiled species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet. Trafficking in the parts of elephants, rhinoceros, tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs, marine turtles, pangolins, sharks and rays means criminals caught peddling these items could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison or a $10,000 fine.
Exemptions
The ban does not apply to bona fide antiques over 100 years old provided the amount of ivory is less than 15% by volume, educatoin or scientific purposes chartered by a museum or travelling exhibition, transfers through inheritance, musical instruments with less than 15% of ivory by volume and wherever otherwise permitted including federal religious and tribal exemptions or permits.
Photo by Paul Hilton for Greenpeace