After an 8-year fight, I am delighted to announce that Vermont became the 12th state in the nation (plus DC) to ban the trade in imperiled wildlife parts. My all-volunteer organization, VermontForWildlife, led the charge and here’s a story that summarized the win for wildlife.
“Contrary to popular belief, federal law does not reach into intrastate trade, thus the critical importance of these incredible grassroots state efforts such as ours. If there is no state law on the books (as is the case in now 38 remaining states), the trade in these animal parts is free and clear and that very trade is what is perpetuating the demand and the slaughter with devastating ramifications.”
It’s also interesting to note that Covid-19 is a zoonotic disease and the more we exploit wildlife, the graver the consequences for humans as well. I was honored to deliver testimony to this end to the Vermont State Legislature and am hoping that Vermont’s win will inspire other states to act.
Ashley McAvey
1992
