This action comes in response to recent changes in federal policy made last week when, despite President Trump's promises to uphold the ban on imported African elephant trophies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced they will now be considering all permits on a "case-by-case" basis. The policy change has prompted public outcry as it will undoubtedly incentivize trophy hunters and practices that will further diminish already dwindling elephant population.
"California has the power to end trophy hunting of endangered species here, and through our market power, across the world. I intend to use that power this year to stop Trump's deeply disappointing about face," remarked Senator Stern. "Unlike Washington D.C., in California, we recognize endangered animals as treasures to be protected, not trophies to be mounted."
Senator Stern and the animal rights coalition are considering a range of legislative options, including a statewide ban on possessing actual trophies or parts of trophies, with the overall goal to prevent the import of endangered species.
"It is appalling that overturning a ban vital in protecting declining elephant populations in Africa is even being considered on a "case by case basis," stated Judie Mancuso, founder and president of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), the animal advocacy group sponsoring the bill. "In fact, this appears like a disingenuous way to overturn the ban completely."
SCIL's director of legislative affairs, Nickolaus Sackett, who is working with Senator Stern to ensure that California does its part to protect endangered species, stated, "The fact is that there is no evidence that trophy hunting enhances the survival of elephants in Africa as required by the US Fish and Wildlife Service's own regulations. We need to save the lives of animals in Africa, not kill them falsely in the name of conservation."
