UK to introduce 'one of world's toughest' ivory bans
Britain is set to introduce "one of the world's toughest" bans on ivory sales in a bid to protect elephants for future generations, the country's Environment Secretary announced Tuesday.
The prohibition will introduce tighter legislation covering ivory items of all ages, save for a few limited exceptions, the government said. The penalty for violating the ban could be up to five years in prison.
"Ivory should never be seen as a commodity for financial gain or a status symbol," Environment Secretary Michael Gove said in a statement. "The ban will demonstrate our belief that the abhorrent ivory trade should become a thing of the past."
The UK proposal is the latest move in the global fight against the ivory trade.
By John Piekos