Board backs California bill to ban ivory and rhino horn sales; resolution adopted unanimously

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Feb. 10 adopted a resolution expressing the city27s support for California Assembly Bill 96, which aims to prohibit the sale and import with intent to sell ivory and rhinoceros horn.

Supervisor Wiener, who removed the item from the consent calendar to speak about it, said the legislation "will strictly prohibit the sale of ivory and rhinoceros horn in California." Wiener and Supervisor Tang urged the board to record San Francisco27s backing for AB 96, which they said targets demand for illegal ivory tied to poaching.

Supervisor Tang said the resolution "sends a really strong message" and thanked the bill27s authors and coauthors. Supervisor Kim said resident advocacy had educated her about the severity of the illegal ivory trade and added her support.

The resolution notes that, after China, the United States is a major market for illegal ivory and that San Francisco has been identified among cities with notable ivory trade activity. The resolution states AB 96 would make it unlawful to purchase, sell, offer for sale, possess with intent to sell, or import with intent to sell ivory or rhinoceros horn, while providing exemptions "for educational or scientific purposes." Wiener cited national precedents, saying similar bans have passed in New York and New Jersey.

The clerk announced, "Without objection, this resolution is adopted unanimously." The transcript records the matter passed without a roll-call objection and with the board recorded as supporting the resolution.