The results of a recent undercover investigation conducted by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Humane Society International (HSI) have unveiled concerning revelations about the illegal trade of elephant ivory, as well as bones and teeth from other endangered species, in 29 Connecticut stores. The investigation, carried out in November 2023, exposed a distressing reality, with over 160 items suspected to be carved from ivory being offered for sale in 19 stores across six Connecticut counties.
The range of items discovered during the investigation was diverse, encompassing small trinkets like a modest $12 brooch to more significant pieces, including a pair of belt charms priced at a staggering $1,250. What added to the gravity of the situation were the conflicting explanations provided by vendors regarding the origin of the ivory items. Some vendors claimed the items were “ivory-like” or less than 100 years old, but notably, none of them produced the required paperwork or legal documentation for the potential sale of ivory.
Despite federal laws prohibiting the import, export, or sale of new elephant ivory across state lines, a critical loophole exists for intrastate sales within a state, creating a regulatory gap. It is precisely this gap that underscores the importance of enacting comprehensive state laws to combat the illicit ivory trade.
The investigators emphasized the urgent need for Connecticut to take decisive action by enacting state legislation to ban the sale of ivory and similar items within its borders. They underscored the direct and significant contribution of Connecticut buyers and sellers to the global illegal ivory trade, a trade responsible for the deaths of thousands of elephants each year. The HSUS and HSI urged lawmakers to prioritize this critical issue and pass legislation that unequivocally prohibits the sale of parts from at-risk species within the state, contributing to broader conservation efforts and combatting wildlife trafficking.