The federal government has recently spoken out against wildlife trafficking, taking measures to end the criminal network that supplies illegal goods to thousands around the globe. The US is one of the main consumers of these products.
On Monday, September 9, White House panelists announced that the US will destroy six tons of ivory that has been confiscated by American officials over the past 25 years.
freeelephantpictures.com / Via reuters.com
According to Reuters, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell stated that this is an important step toward ending animal trafficking across the globe.
muller.lbl.gov / Via reuters.com
The Wildlife Conservation Society sent out a statement today explaining, "When countries destroy their ivory stockpiles, it eliminates opportunities for corruption and guarantees the ivory doesn't land back on the black market. "
There is no way to obtain the ivory of an elephant without killing them. Elephants are often shot before their ivory tusks are removed with a machete.
Many of the elephants are still alive for the procedure, however, and are left to bleed to death after their tusks are removed.
