NRA Fires Back Against U.S. Plan to Save Elephants from Extinction

In a huge step forward for the world’s most vulnerable elephants, the U.S. recently released a national strategy to combat wildlife trafficking that includes a ban on the commercial trade of elephant ivory.

According to a White House fact sheet, the ban will prohibit the commercial import and export of elephant ivory, minus bona fide antiques, and will also “significantly restrict domestic resale of elephant ivory.”

Many rejoiced when the ban was announced (we certainly did!), however the National Rifle Association (NRA) has somehow found fault with it, or more specifically, the following statement:

“We will finalize a proposed rule that will reaffirm and clarify that sales across state lines are prohibited, except for bona fide antiques, and will prohibit sales within a state unless the seller can demonstrate an item was lawfully imported prior to 1990 for African elephants and 1975 for Asian elephants, or under an exemption document,” as the White House reported in its commercial ivory ban announcement.

According to the NRA, this proposed rule is just “another attempt by this anti-gun Administration to ban firearms based on cosmetics and would render many collections/firearms valueless.”

“Any firearm, firearm accessory, or knife that contains ivory, no matter how big or small, would not be able to be sold in the United States, unless it is more than 100 years old. This means if your shotgun has an ivory bead or inlay, your revolver or pistol has ivory grips, your knife has an ivory handle, or if your firearm accessories, such as cleaning tools that contain any ivory, the item would be illegal to sell,” the NRA’s statement continued.

Clearly upset by the proposed rule, the NRA has fired back by calling upon its 3.1. million members to contact their Congress representatives and ask their elected officials to block it.

So while the U.S. is making significant steps to combat the illegal wildlife trade, ecologically destructive poaching, and the rapid decline of elephant populations, the NRA wants to halt these efforts simply because its members may not be able to sell their ivory-decorated firearms.

Just – wow. Leaves you a little speechless, doesn’t it?

The NRA’s action is certainly angering to anyone who can see its absurdity, however let’s not allow this anger to leave us breathless and paralyzed. Instead, let’s speak out too, and stand with Africa’s elephants and the U.S. on its new plan to combat wildlife trafficking. Contact your representatives today to show your Support!

Image source: blieusong / Flickr