Initiative 1401: Protect endangered wildlife throughout the world
By Margie Van Cleve, Chair, Sierra Club, WA State Chapter
This year Washington voters have the opportunity to take action to protect threatened animals internationally. The Sierra Club has long fought for stronger laws to protect endangered species, which is why the Sierra Club was one of the first organizations to endorse Initiative 1401.
How can Washington make a difference?
Join the Sierra Club in voting yes on I-1401. The statewide initiative aims to protect critically endangered animals, like elephants, rhinos, lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, pangolins, marine turtles, sharks and rays from poaching and exploitation. The initiative strengthens penalties in Washington State for trafficking in animal products like ivory or rhino horn, pelts and fins.
The United States is the world’s second-largest market for products from endangered species, and the Ports of Seattle/Tacoma are major entry points. Since 2010, there have been more than 50 seizures of elephant products entering Washington State along with many seizures of products from other threatened animals. Yet none of these incidents has resulted in jail time for the perpetrators.
The cruel facts about poaching
The scale and cruelty of the poaching crisis is immense. In one recent case, poachers poisoned a watering hole with cyanide, killing 300 elephants at once. Every fifteen minutes, poachers kill another elephant for black-market ivory — sometimes even sawing off the tusks while the animal is still alive. Sharks routinely have their fins hacked off before being thrown back into the water to slowly suffocate.
Voting yes on I-1401 is an incredible opportunity to make a difference locally in this global fight. Let’s build on the growing momentum to increase protections for the world’s most threatened species and set a leadership example in our state for the rest of our country.
Ballots must be mailed in by November 3. Please join Sierra Club in adding your vote to make a difference in this critical fight.
To learn more about Initiative 1401, see your Election Pamphlet click here for online information