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Elephant Ivory and Rhino Horn Bans Fact Sheet
ResourceWildlife
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Point of Contact
Logan Christian
Wildlife and Habitat Specialist
Legislation
- In 2014, New Jersey and New York became the first states to ban sales of ivory and rhino horn products. California and Washington enacted similar laws in 2015, followed by Hawaii and Oregon in 2016.
- In 2017, at least 13 states considered bills to address wildlife trafficking, including Maryland (HB686) and New Mexico (SB81). A full list of 2017 bills is available here.
- Some state bills include exemptions from ivory and rhino horn bans, such as antiques, musical instruments, and weapons within certain parameters; scientific, educational or museum purposes; and inheritance.
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Related External Resources
Wildlife Trafficking - NCEL
NCEL's Wildlife Trafficking website containing more relevant bills and resources.
Facts on illegal wildlife trade - Humane Society International
An overview of the impacts of the illegal wildlife trade and the work being done to limit wildlife trafficking.
Illegal Wildlife Trade - Wildlife Trafficking Alliance
A comprehensive introduction to the issue of the illegal wildlife trade.
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