RSPCA: Stop bloody ivory trade

Tuesday, 9 March 2010 19:36

Pet health care organisation the RSPCA has called for animal lovers to unite over the trade in illegal ivory.

The society is pushing to improve protection for African elephants, claiming that thousands die yearly in the bloodthirsty business, established in the time period since the formal worldwide ban on the ivory trade was implemented in 1989.

There is to be a meeting by CITES - the international body which regulates the trade in wild animals and plants - in Qatar in mid-March, during which the RSPCA hopes the 175 member countries will vote against proposals to reduce protection for elephants in terms of the ivory trade.

According to the Associated Press, Thai officials seized some two tonnes of elephant ivory entering the country from Africa and disguised as mobile phone elements in February.

Director of the investigation Seree Thaijongrak said it was the "biggest seizure" the country had ever made.

Animal Friends Insurance Services are an ethical pet insurance company. We have been supporting animal welfare charities around the world since 1999 by donating all net profits to their causes.

Posted by Josie