UK shoppers duped into illegal trade

SHOPPERS in Britain are being duped into supporting the illegal ivory trade and the slaughter of elephants.

An investigation found that products made of ivory collected by poachers are finding their way into the UK through market stalls and websites.

Under international laws to protect African elephants, it is illegal to sell ivory products created or carved after 1947.

However, an investigation led by TV chef and campaigner, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, found items on sale that tests showed were produced after this date, including salt and pepper pots and handles for a shaving brush and razor.

Campaigners now want a total ban on selling ivory.

Fearnley-Whittingstall accused ministers of dragging their feet.

“We know that significant amounts of ivory sold here is then being smuggled to Asia, where it helps fuel the very market which is killing Africa’s elephants,” he said.

An estimated 30 000 elephants are killed in Africa each year.

World leaders will meet in South Africa starting on Saturday to vote on shutting down ivory markets.

Today Prince William, who established a task force to lobby governments to halt the illegal ivory trade, will make a speech in which he will stress his determination to help save endangered African wildlife. – Daily Mail