Hong Kong’s government has voted to end the domestic sale of ivory. The autonomous territory will gradually phase out the trade, and by 2021 ivory sales will be completely banned. This move follows China’s plan to ban the domestic sale of ivory taking effect December 31, 2017.
This vote was a critical step forward. According to Hong Kong lawmaker Ted Hui, “Hong Kong is one of the last havens for smugglers to conduct their activities with impunity.”
Though the territory abides by the 1990 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, or CITES, which banned the international trade of ivory, it has allowed domestic trade of “pre-convention” or antique ivory. Poachers often smuggle illegal ivory and then pass it off as antique.
Though the action is a victory for elephants, critics are calling for an immediate ban and have noted that the gradual phase-in of the legislation will create demand for illegal poaching and incentive for stockpiling to increase traders’ sales prior to the ban. Indeed, the elephants should not have to wait three years for the ban to take effect.
“Many ivory buyers are unaware of the cruelty caused by poaching elephants. Poachers wielding a variety of weapons ranging from AK-47 assault rifles to poison arrows have wreaked unspeakable suffering that has decimated wild populations,” said Wildlife Expert Dr. Neil D’Cruze from World Animal Protection in a statement.
In what amounts to no less than genocide, more than 100,000 elephants have been slaughtered since 2012. About every 15 minutes an elephant is killed for its ivory. CITES brought about a major step forward, but its allowance for domestic trade of ivory was a major loophole. It is clear stronger action is needed. China’s recent implementation of its domestic ban and Hong Kong’s recent vote are important steps in the right direction to ending elephant poaching and stopping the massacre of these smart, friendly creatures.
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We need to stop all this crap going on to all our animals!!!
We need to do everything to protect these beautiful animals.
HOORAY! LET’S HOPE ALL COUNTRIES BAN IVORY FOREVER & BOYCOTT COUNTRIES THAT ALLOW ELEPHANTS TO BE KILLED FOR HUMAN GREED
Yes, this is good news. I hope it is not just talk and no action though. How are you going to take 3 years to ban something. If it is going to happen, it should happen now. Those elephants need help now not in 3 years. Imagine how many elelphants could be killed in that amount of time. You think those poachers are going to care about the ban, I think not. They are still going to try to be sneaky about it and continue to do what they have been doing. Take action now hong kong and show the world you truly care. Every minute counts for these animals. They are the ones who are going through this torture. They can’t afford to wait.
Great news! But will they follow through with it because they are still eating shark fin soup and tigers genitals?
keep up the work….or we just have to stop buying goods made in china
Thank God ! Thank You China, now keep up with this, Ive seen this before & then it starts up all over again, their just not that trustable ?
PRAISE GOD!!! I’m so VERY happy!!!
Hallelujah! One more step toward saving these gentle, sweet, loving, intelligent, creatures. However, this does need to be implemented now. It is believed that at the rate we are losing them that by the end of this decade they will be all but extinct! We cannot let that happen. And baby elephants are being orphaned and left to die without their mother and in shock watching their mothers die. Other baby elephants are being captured, taken from their family pods and everything they’ve ever known and sold to circuses and zoos and work camps, etc. where they are abused for most of, if not all of their lives. Hong Kong…..THANK YOU but lease implement this total phase out NOW before we lose all our elephants by 2020 If that happens…..2021 will be too late! These murderous poachers think they know this ban will be totally phased out by 2021 and they are likely to double or triple their efforts in poaching and killing our elephants. Implement this total Phase Out now……surprise them and imprison all of them or shoot them!
Bonne nouvelle j’aimerais que ce soit dand tout les pays
Ban any forms of hunting. Glad Hong Kong is going to stop – good news.
2021..?? There’s no need to continue this torture and killing for this long. I can only think it must have to do with money..as usual. Any chance of this date being appealed? Yes, good news but not good enough.
2021 is just to far away. The ban needs ro take effect immediately. If they are really serious tbey will implement forthwith. It’s a step in the right direction but it’s not good enough.??
There is no need to wait till 2021 between now and 2021 they could wipe out the elephants from now till then 2021 is not acceptable but it’s a step in the right direction. The Govern. needs to take a giant leap forward and not baby steps. By taking baby steps you are leaving the opportunity still open not acceptable. Do it faster do it now. Some things Govern. can change overnight implement laws immediately but of the high importance ley drag their feet. Govern. is like that all over the globe. Non important issues gets immediate attention while important issues sit on the side lines.
2021 !!?? Why?? Not good enough. Black markets, racketeering, wealthy, greedy people still out there !! Meanwhile Elephants are still on the killing list for those who wish to slaughter for the hell if it. China lead the way & move on this ivory trade NOW !!!!
This is not sufficient. The Hong Kong government must immediately, repeat immediately ban the sales of ALL ivory products from shops within its territory.Hong Kong, with plenty of wealthy people, is one of the largest importers of ivory and smugglers and poachers get around the law by calling the ivory products as antiques.