FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2016
Congress Passes Bill to Fight Wildlife Trafficking
WASHINGTON (September 21, 2016) – Congress has passed and sent to the president for signature the bipartisan Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt (END) Wildlife Trafficking Act (H.R. 2494), that addresses the illegal trade in endangered and threatened wildlife and their related products. The wildlife trafficking bill will ultimately help protect a wide variety of species, including exotic birds, elephants, rhinos and sharks. The legislation codifies a commitment by the United States to work through international partnerships with governments, local communities, nongovernmental organizations and the private sector to stem the illegal trade in wildlife.
Statement from Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife, Jamie Rappaport Clark:
“This bill is an important step forward in the fight to combat wildlife trafficking. The legislation helps address the serious threat wildlife trafficking poses to endangered species around the world and strengthens President Obama’s initiative to stop the illegal trade in wildlife in the United States. By elevating wildlife trafficking to a serious crime under U.S. law, increasing penalties for trafficking and giving law enforcement more tools to stop those involved with wildlife crime, H.R. 2494 helps create a brighter future for wildlife internationally.”
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For nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America’s wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters. With a network of more than 2 million supporters, Defenders is an advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on Instagram @defendersofwildlife.
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