Wildlife Trade
Vote Cruelty Free calls on the European Parliament to protect endangered species from illegal trade.
The illegal trade in wildlife is estimated at over $20 billion annually and is second only to that of illicit drugs and arms. It is cruel and unnecessary and is wiping out endangered species including elephants, big cats, bears, rhinos, sharks and turtles. The UK is one of the largest consumers of wildlife products.
Commitments sought from Government:
- Financially support real conservation efforts in range states and provide support to the African Elephant Coalition
- Monitor the effects of the 2008 CITES-approved stockpile sales on elephant populations
- Devote sufficient resources to enforcing wildlife trade legislation and tackling illegal ivory trade, including the illegal trade in wildlife over the internet
- Urge EU Member States and the Commission to ensure the EU takes a strong position in favour of real elephant conservation and against any ivory trade at the 15th CITES Conference of the Parties in January 2010.
