Moylan-Sponsored Ivory Ban Legislation Passes House

DES PLAINES, Ill. – Continuing his efforts to protect endangered wildlife from evasive hunters, state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, introduced legislation that would prohibit selling certain ivory products in the state of Illinois.

“These endangered animals are being murdered just for the small piece of ivory they have,” Moylan said. “Most of these animals are endangered and by killing them, hunters are also endangering the ecosystems in which they live.”

In November 2017, the Trump administration announced they would lift the ban on ivory imports from African nations. This action drove many prize hunters out to kill already endangered animals, mostly rhinos and elephants, which are important to the African ecosystem. Moylan introduced legislation that prohibits the import, sale, purchase and possession with intent to sell of any ivory product in Illinois, excluding various antique weapons and musical instruments. There are also a few exceptions to allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to use ivory for educational or scientific purposes.

“I have seen reports that estimate as many as 30,000 elephants were killed a year only for the small amount of ivory on their tusks,” Moylan said. “We cannot continue to hunt endangered species, especially those so important to our environment, only for the sole prize of a luxury item.”

Moylan’s House Bill 4843 passed the House on Thursday, May 10th, and will now be sent over to the senate for consideration.

For more information about this legislation, or for any other questions or concerns, please contact Moylan’s full time constituent office at 847-635-6821 or emailStateRepMoylan@Gmail.com.