NYC Bill Targets Illegal Trade of Endangered Species Products

A bill soon to be approved in New York City aims to crack down the illegal trade of products made from endangered species. The bill would make it easier to convict offenders and to fine them in amounts between $500 and $1500. Especially being targeted is the trade of furs, leathers, curios, and traditional medicines (e.g. rhino horn, tiger bone, musk deer extract, etc.). Under the current laws, such trading is illegal, but they were difficult to enforce because conviction required costly DNA testing of the products. Mayor Bloomberg is in favor of the bill and is certain that it will become a city law by early next year.