BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgian authorities have destroyed over
1,500 kilos (3,300 pounds) of ivory that had been seized by customs over
the past three decades to serve as a warning to international smugglers
who kill elephants daily for their tusks.
Wednesday’s ivory crush
followed similar initiatives in the United States, China and France.
The pulverized ivory from the tusks will be turned into artwork to
highlight Belgium’s efforts to protect elephants.
The destruction
by a crusher comes as the 28-nation European Union is mulling stronger
action against illegal wildlife trafficking.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare group says some 50,000 elephants a year are killed for their
tusks.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgian authorities have destroyed over
1,500 kilos (3,300 pounds) of ivory that had been seized by customs over
the past three decades to serve as a warning to international smugglers
who kill elephants daily for their tusks.
Wednesday’s ivory crush
followed similar initiatives in the United States, China and France.
The pulverized ivory from the tusks will be turned into artwork to
highlight Belgium’s efforts to protect elephants.
The destruction
by a crusher comes as the 28-nation European Union is mulling stronger
action against illegal wildlife trafficking.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare group says some 50,000 elephants a year are killed for their
tusks.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.