Connecticut needs to pass an ivory sales ban. The global ivory trade kills close to one elephant every 15 minutes leading to the real threat of extinction of African elephants within in our lifetimes. Every voter should contact their state representative and state senator and demand that HB 5578 be passed as written. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service has confirmed that the legal market plays a role in fueling illegal poaching. Traffickers use loopholes in federal law; loopholes which include the sale of antique ivory to disguise freshly poached ivory as antique by treating it with resin and other products, making it indistinguishable from true antiques, and paperwork can be easily forged. 

The bottom line is elephants need their tusks, we don’t. Opposition to HB 5578 is largely from out-of-state sources. 

The proposed bill exempts museums so Mystic Seaport Museum should not object, and it would not be illegal to merely possess ivory or rhino horns, nor will it be a crime to pass those heirlooms on via wills and trusts. We must join other states in limiting the demand and doing our part to prevent the extinction of these iconic species. 

Kathy DiLullo

East Lyme