S3302

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday banning the importation, transportation, and possession of endangered animal trophies, sending a strong signal against trophy hunting practices. Senate Print 3302, sponsored by Sen. Sepúlveda, passed on a 54-7 roll call vote. The bill protects species including African elephants, lions, white rhinos, leopards, black rhinos, and giraffes, populations that have been decimated by poaching and hunting. Sepúlveda cited alarming statistics, noting only 415,000 African elephants, 20,000 lions, and 5,500 black rhinos remain in the wild. He referenced a recent case in which an individual was convicted of illegally trafficking ivory valued at approximately $100,000. Sen. Cleare called trophy hunting a "sickening practice" with no place in New York or Africa, and praised the measure as humane and compassionate. The bill mirrors existing state bans on ivory and rhinoceros horn imports. Seven senators voted against the measure: Borrello, Gallivan, Griffo, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, and Stec. The legislation takes effect one year after becoming law.

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Sepúlveda to amend the Environmental Conservation Law on a roll call vote of 55-8. The measure, Calendar Number 314, Senate Print 3302, will take effect one year after becoming law. Eight senators voted in opposition: Borrello, Gallivan, Griffo, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Stec and Walczyk. No debate was recorded during floor consideration of the bill.