Washington

Act Now To Save Animals Facing Extinction

Washington

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.

  • Bill Status

    Initiative Passed November 2015

  • Violations 2005-2015

    166 violations

Why Washington State?

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.

About the Initiative

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.

Species Covered

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.


Related News

  • November 3, 2015

    Washington Voters Overwhelmingly Approve New State Laws to Protect Endangered Species

  • October 27, 2015

    KOMO TV: Proposed state law would get tough on animal traffickers

  • October 27, 2015

    SeattlePI.Com: ‘Extinction economy’ products: A rhino’s foot as ashtray, a cheetah’s foot as paperweight

  • October 27, 2015

    Confiscated endangered species products give stark example of illegal marketplace

  • October 26, 2015

    With Voting Underway, Leading Accredited Zoos & Aquariums Across America Stand With Effort to Save Animals Facing Extinction

  • October 19, 2015

    Yes On I-1401 TV Ad

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Photo by Paul Hilton for Greenpeace