Protecting Wildlife Through Anti-Animal Poaching Laws

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What is animal poaching? Defensless but not helpless, there is founded and good reason why there is legislation to protect animals. Serious punishment is possible for this criminal offense so read on.

Animal poaching is the illegal termination of wildlife, may it be by hunting or killing. It is a criminal misdemeanor, since there are stipulations indicated for appropriately acquiring wildlife stock. The animals are acquired for a variety of uses, such as food, clothing, medicine and decoration. It is a worldwide problem, as some species only exist in certain countries, thereby making the animals or their parts widely viable for export and distribution to potential local and international buyers.

Prohibitions may be that the animal is not in season or is illegal to kill, due to endangerment or research, or that the poacher does not possess a license for hunting, for fishing, or for his weapon. It may also be that the weapon is not rendered legal for acquiring wildlife. The animal or area where the animal resides may also be owned by another individual or the public, or that the methods used for poaching are illegal, like dynamite poisoning, baiting or use of high-powered gadgets.

Why Animal Poaching Is A Criminal Offense

It is strictly illegal under national law to kill animals without following the protocols and proper procedures set to poach. There are point systems established to convict violators. Points can accumulate depending on the offenses so that relative penalties can be made. The fish and wildlife statutes will be able to determine through the factors and features indicated in the point system if the offender must be suspended or issued a revocation of license completely.

Depending on the state and season, the points will be called on the violator of the statutes. Examples of these are trespassing state property, destruction of state property, placing fish in waters, use of illegal weapons, sale of game fish or animal, placing traps, snaring animals, interfering hunting, fishing or trapping, importation or stocking wild animals, accumulation of ivory and fur, use of dogs in pursuing deer and bobcat, black bear and falcon hunting.

Anti-poaching programs have been implemented in various states, which specifically indicate the locations and animal species that are prohibited to be entered or poached. Rewards are personally given to individuals who report acts of poaching. There are a number of statutes that also constitute the illegal trading of animal parts or selling of live wild animals. Regulations against the acquisition of certain products, like ivory and rare antlers, are also provided.

Penalizing Animal Poachers

Penalties for animal poaching can be in fines, imprisonment and license suspension or revocation. Fines can range from $1,000 to $500,000 and violators can be imprisoned from six months to twenty years, depending on the severity and accumulation of violations.

Based on the uniform point system provided in each state, violators will have their licenses suspended or confiscated permanently. In some instances, a poacher can be banned from hunting entirely in one state, but allowed in another, provided that he engages in the activity under probation.

Despite global efforts in fighting against animal poaching, the illegal act still constitutes ten percent or $150 billion of the hunting market. Several unknown and wealthy individuals still manage to acquire rare animal species or parts for personal collection or consumption. The future of endangered wildlife still hangs in the balance.