A. 10143/S. 7890 Restricts the Sale of Ivory and Rhino Horn [2014]

in New York on February 20, 2014

Update (August 13, 2014): Victory! Governor Cuomo signed this bill into law. Read our press release here.

Update (June 17, 2014): Press Release — “Governor Cuomo Announces Agreement With Legislative Leaders on Bill to Fight Illegal Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Trade”

Bill Description:
It amends the environmental conservation law to prohibit the sale, purchase, trade, barter, and distribution of ivory and rhino horn articles.[teaserbreak] The definition of “ivory articles” includes both elephant and mammoth ivory. It also increases the penalties for the illegal commercialization of fish, shellfish, crustacean, and wildlife, including ivory and rhino horn articles.

Exceptions to this prohibition:

  • If the ivory article or rhino horn is part of a bona fide antique and is less than 20% by volume of such antique.
  • If the distribution of the ivory article or rhino horn is for bona fide educational or scientific purposes.
  • If the ivory article or rhino horn is part of a musical instrument that was manufactured no later than 1975.

    • Background:
    Check out the Bloody Ivory website for details on the tragic elephant slaughter and illegal ivory trade.
    And be sure to read the summary of our Ivory’s Curse report, which details the groundbreaking information uncovered by our investigation of illegal wildlife trafficking in Africa.

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