|
Last year, Hong Kongs environment officials stated, following several hidden camera investigations, that they were open to the possibility of ending legal ivory sales. Today, it was made official as Leung Chung-Ying, Hong Kongs chief executive announced the government will legislate a ban on elephant ivory sales.
|
Leung also announced in his Annual Policy Address, that penalties for trafficking endangered species would be sharply increased from two years to seven years.
Hong Kongs ban will be a key factor in ending the African elephant poaching crisis, which results in the death of up to 33,000 elephants per year. Though President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping made a joint commitment last September to halt domestic ivory sales, Hong Kong’s cooperation was needed because it serves as a “back door” for ivory to enter mainland China.
On behalf of animal lovers everywhere, we thank Hong Kong for this crucial step in ending ivory trade and hope this commitment on all parts is upheld and enforced.
Hong Kongs ban will be a key factor in ending the African elephant poaching crisis, which results in the death of up to 33,000 elephants per year. Though President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping made a joint commitment last September to halt domestic ivory sales, Hong Kong’s cooperation was needed because it serves as a “back door” for ivory to enter mainland China.
On behalf of animal lovers everywhere, we thank Hong Kong for this crucial step in ending ivory trade and hope this commitment on all parts is upheld and enforced.
RSS Feed
