Congressman DeFazio highlights need to stop illegal rhino horn trade in Vietnam

“We are heartened to see a prominent member of Congress come out in support of ending the uncontrolled and brutal killing of rhinos just before the one year anniversary of the petition’s submission,” said Lisa Handy, EIA’s Senior Policy Advisor. “We encourage the US government to continue its efforts to assess the situation and help ensure that Vietnamese demand stops driving rhino poaching, particularly in light of the recent Executive Order to Combat Wildlife Trafficking.”

The dramatic rise of poaching of rhinos is in large part due to the rapid increase in demand for illegal rhino horn in Vietnam. According to South Africa's Department of Environmental Affairs, 946 rhinos were poached in South Africa as of December 19, 2013, far surpassing 2012’s record-breaking 668 poached rhinos. Rhino poaching in other countries, such as Kenya and India, has also increased.

“Given that rhino poaching driven by Vietnamese demand has only increased since 2012, I urge you to give immediate consideration to the Pelly petition and the request to impose trade sanctions against Vietnam,” DeFazio stated in a letter submitted to Sally Jewel, Secretary of the Department of the Interior. “Reports have cited Vietnam as the ‘paramount destination for a resurgent illegal commerce out of Africa.”

If immediate action is not taken to prevent illegal imports and enforce existing trade bans, rhino poaching will continue to increase. Time is running out for rhinos,” he added.