"With a few limited exceptions, selling ivory has been illegal since 1989," said Jeff Flocken, Director of IFAW's Washington D.C. office. "However, Web sites are still teeming with ivory trinkets, bracelets, and even whole tusks for sale." (MarketWatch)The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) conducted an investigation on the illegal wildlife trade found that eBay was the worst offender, with almost two-thirds of the tracked sales of illegal wildlife product. Over 70% of the sales were in the United States, and 73% of the products were of elephant ivory.
Just before the announcement of the report findings, eBay announced a ban on the sale of ivory products, which will be put into place by January 1st, 2009.
Why can't they do it sooner? What about the illegal trade of products made from other endangered species? Shouldn't there be a ban on those? The investigation uncovered another eBayer who sold a cheetah rug for $154.48 (Reuters)... Is that what an endangered animal is worth these days? Why is this even allowed if it's illegal?
This post was written by Stefanie.
October 24th, 2008 at 9:57 am
$158? For something illegal?
So by the same principle, you could sell missiles on eBay?
Quote This CommentOctober 24th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I'm glad to hear this- finally holding e-bay accountable. Elephants have enough issues with circus abuse, being captive in zoos and many other things. Having less demand for ivory will curb some of the poaching I would hope. Thx-
Quote This CommentOctober 25th, 2008 at 4:10 am
Best thing eBay has done for a while..
Quote This CommentOctober 25th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Ebay will pro longe lobbyists on any front that would deny them money. Including fake goods, ivory, porn etc. Until they are really pushed by litgation will they ever deal with anything that will cost them money.
They are a huge corporate business like any other...
Quote This CommentOctober 26th, 2008 at 8:49 am
The Ivory trading should be disallowed in long time ago, but it seems that eBay finally realized that they need to do something to help the elephants from being killed by the black hearted Ivory hunters!
Quote This CommentOctober 26th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
eBay has always been incredibly resistant to policing its auctions. It is a real shame, because in many ways they are giving up on their corporate responsibility. But...anyone who's dealt with ebay extensively will know that this is but one of their huge range of faults.
Quote This CommentOctober 27th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Chris, someone else bought elephant tusks on eBay for $21,000.
Maureen, let's hope it will curb some of the poaching... although if they want to sell the products, they will find a way, unfortunately.
Everyone else, it seems to me eBay only announced this plan because of the investigation that was being held... considering they announced it hours before the release of the investigation's results...
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