Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Krueger: Let’s end the demand for trafficked animal parts in PA

Krueger: Let’s end the demand for trafficked animal parts in PA

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    March 3, 2026 | 4:14 PM

BROOKHAVEN, March. 3 – In observance of World Wildlife Day, state Rep. Leanne Krueger today offered the following statement on the trafficking of wild animal parts and her legislation, H.B. 994, which would prohibit the purchase and sale of animal parts from imperiled species in Pennsylvania:

“When we hear that over 15,000 elephants are poached in Africa each year for their ivory, or that all five species of rhino are endangered because of demand for their horns, we want to be part of the solution, not the problem.

“Internationally and nationally, wildlife advocates have worked for decades to end the demand for wild animal parts from imperiled species, most notably ivory from elephant tusks and rhino horns. The creation and sale of these products exist solely to make money; there is no ‘pro’ argument when it comes to the slaughter of protected species.

“Unfortunately, existing national and state laws don’t do enough to curb the demand for trafficked animal parts. Under the Federal Endangered Species Act and current Pennsylvania state law, the sale of animal parts from endangered or threatened species is illegal, but there are loopholes that allow some sellers to trade legally. Compared to other states, Pennsylvania’s current regulations are weak. We have a duty to protect at-risk species from poaching, and we have a duty to protect our residents from unknowingly contributing to illegal wildlife trafficking.

“House Bill 994 would more comprehensively prohibit both the sale and purchase of protected animal parts, such as ivory and taxidermied wildlife, within Pennsylvania and across state or international lines. It would establish clear civil penalties for participating in this trade.

“I believe that most Pennsylvanians would not want to contribute to the demand for animal poaching. My legislation provides a concrete, actionable penalty system to deter people from participating in this awful trade.

“Iconic animal species continue to face extinction due to the demand for their parts. In recent years, traffickers have targeted states like ours with weaker laws and regulations for protected animal products.

“I am hopeful that my peers in the Senate will see the value in ending the demand for trafficked animal parts in Pennsylvania.”