Gov. Chris Christie vetoed the bills banning the importation of trophy animals, but it was a conditional veto and their author, Sen. Raymond Lesniak, was not unhappy. “Much to my surprise and delight, Governor Christie has approved my ban on importing, transporting and possession of “trophies” of lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos, all endangered species that are prime targets of ‘trophy’ hunters. The governor’s conditional vetoes have only minor conditions that do not impair the effectiveness of the legalization.
“Those violating the law will be subject to severe criminal and civil penalties. The law will be effective Monday, May 26, following the expected Senate concurrence on May 9 and the Assembly’s on May 26.”
Other states are working on their versions of the bill, but The Garden State’s effort is especially needed. “New Jersey is a major hub for the importation and transportation of body parts of endangered species. Our ban will send a strong message to those who would endanger the very existence of these majestic animals to avoid bringing their so-called “trophies” into New Jersey. Hopefully, they will give up the practice entirely,” Lesniak said.
Brian R. Hackett, New Jersey State Director, the Humane Society of the United States, also praised the effort:
“Given the prominent role of New Jersey in global commerce, including wildlife and their parts, Senator Lesniak’s legislation will effectively cut off a vital transit point and destination for the products and animal parts from the animals covered in this bill,” said Mr. Hackett. “These bills send a clear message to our country and the world: that New Jersey wants no part in the plundering of African wildlife by poachers, traffickers or trophy hunters.”
Also praising the move was Jen Samuel, president of the all-volunteer nonprofit Elephants DC:
“New Jersey is continuing its legacy of defending endangered species from extinction. After becoming the first state in American history to enact a comprehensive ivory and rhino horn ban sales in 2014, New Jersey today has solidified its role as the global leader in conservation by taking bold action to protect the most critically endangered species on the earth. These majestic animals are not ‘trophies’ — they are vulnerable animals in need of our safeguarding and stewardship. Elephants DC is so proud of New Jersey for being the leader the elephants, rhinos and lions so desperately need.”
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