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The Humane World for Animals conducted an undercover investigation revealing the sale of ivory and other wildlife products from endangered species across more than 60 locations in Pennsylvania, leading to calls for legislative action. Pennsylvania state Rep. Leanne Krueger introduced House Bill 994 to update state law and ban the trade of animal parts from specified protected species, addressing gaps in existing laws that allow certain trades to occur legally. The bill, which has advanced past the House Judiciary Committee, seeks to deter wildlife trafficking by reducing market demand, with advocates emphasizing the importance of clearly listing protected species to enhance enforcement efforts.
Uncovered ivory sales in Pennsylvania have prompted calls for legislative action to protect endangered wildlife. Humane World for Animals, previously the Humane Society of the United States, revealed on June 4 that an undercover investigation found ivory from endangered species like elephants, hippos, and whales sold at over 60 locations in 18 counties.
Items included a $6,000 giraffe head, jewelry, and carvings. The illegal wildlife trade significantly impacts global species. African elephants, for example, have seen a population drop from 12 million a century ago to about 415,000 in 2016. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported over 100,000 African elephants were poached between 2010 and 2012.
Gabe Wigtil of Humane World for Animals stated, “Too many species are close to extinction,” during a press conference at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. The sale of ivory trinkets and jewelry contributes to this decline.
Federal law prohibits the sale of endangered species parts across state lines, but exceptions exist in Pennsylvania. To close these gaps, Rep. Leanne Krueger introduced House Bill 994 to ban trade of animal parts from protected species, listing specific animals for clarity. The bill includes extinct mammoths and mastodons to prevent sellers from disguising elephant ivory.
Violators could face fines up to $20,000, according to the bill. The House Judiciary Committee approved the bill 25-1 on June 2.
Advocates believe this legislation can curb wildlife trafficking by reducing market demand. Krueger noted, “Learning about wildlife trafficking through this investigation, I’m convinced most Pennsylvanians wouldn’t want to support this trade.”
Highlighting the issue, Wigtil mentioned current state laws lack clarity on protected species, leading to enforcement challenges. “Our investigation highlights the need to clearly list endangered species like elephants for protection,” Wigtil stated.
Wigtil hopes the investigation will educate lawmakers and the public, encouraging passage of Krueger’s bill. “These items come from animals killed for their parts, reflecting cruelty,” Wigtil told the Pennsylvania Independent. “Protecting wild animals, whether local or global, is crucial.”
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